Summer 2025 in Italy is revealing itself particularly difficult on the front of food poisoning. After the serious outbreaks of botulinum recorded in Sardinia and Calabria, where some tourists have contracted severe symptoms and unfortunately four people have lost their lives, a new alarm arrives, this time linked to the consumption of tuna.
Yesterday, 10 Neapolitan tourists, between 50 and 60 years old, accused severe abdominal pain and general malaise after having had lunch in a well -known Lido di Formia. One of those present passed out on the spot, while the others showed similar symptoms shortly after. What had they eaten? A simple tuna salad.
The 118 health workers came to the scene and the people were transported to the hospital – six in ambulance and four with their own means – all then hospitalized under observation. Fortunately, nobody pours into serious conditions, but the episode immediately raised the alarm between residents and health authorities and of course the soldiers of the Nas nucleus of Latina were also alerted.
At the moment investigations are underway on the tuna and on the methods of conservation and preparation of the salad served in the Lido. The kitchen of the bathing establishment has already been inspected.
What we know so far
The first analyzes seem to exclude botulinum and rather aim for bad conservation or a product already compromised at the time of purchase. The health authorities have taken the samples necessary to better understand what happened.
The tuna can be a vehicle of different quite common food poisoning whose typical symptoms include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea, generally within a few hours of consumption, just as it happened in Formia. The severity of the symptomatology varies according to age, health and quantity of food ingested.
The most common intoxications from Tuna
In addition to botulism, fortunately rare, tuna can cause other forms of food poisoning:
How to protect yourself
Pending the results of the Formia laboratories, this episode reminds us that even tuna, apparently safe food, can become risky if not treated correctly. It is therefore important to follow some food safety rules:
Of the restaurants and the bathing beaches, of course, we must be able to trust, the staff must comply with the hygiene rules and conservation procedures, with ethics and professional responsibility. But – seen how this summer is going – the checks are welcome.
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