Two foodborne botulism cases have been identified in an area of Switzerland.
The Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (FSVO) has issued a recall for a product sold at local markets because of a suspected connection to the two botulism cases in Valais. Both people are being treated in hospital.
Pork shank terrine was produced by Eddy Gaspoz – Le Grand’Joie and sold at markets in Sierre and Martigny, as well as in certain butcher shops. “Terrine de jarret de porc” comes in a 360-gram glass jar with a shelf-life date of June 2, 2027. It was manufactured on Sept. 3, 2026.
It is believed that 20 jars were produced. Twelve have been returned or consumed, with no reports of illness. Three jars that were sold remain affected.
Botulinum poisoning is a rare but life-threatening condition caused by toxins produced by Clostridium botulinum bacteria. In foodborne botulism, symptoms generally begin 18 to 36 hours after eating contaminated food. At first, severe fatigue, weakness, and dizziness may occur. Later, vision becomes blurred as well as a dry mouth, difficulty swallowing and speaking. It can cause sudden death because of its ability to paralyze muscles used for breathing.
Consumers who have the product are advised not to consume or open it, and to discard it. Anyone who eats the product and develops symptoms consistent with botulism must go to the emergency department immediately and inform medical staff about consumption and suspected botulism.
In 2025, Switzerland recorded 72 outbreaks of foodborne illness. They resulted in 660 people falling ill, 21 hospitalizations and two deaths.
