Hearts of palms preserves and botulism in Brazil: An overview of outbreaks, causes and risk management strategies

• Published in: Trends in food science & technology 2013-12, Vol.34 (2), p.80-95
• Main Authors: Húngaro, Humberto Moreira, Alvarenga, Verônica Ortiz, Peña, Wilmer Edgard Luera, Sant'Ana, Anderson de Souza
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biological and medical sciences; botulism; Brazil; breathing; Clostridium botulinum; Food industries; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Heart; laws and regulations; muscles; neurotoxins; Outbreaks; Palm; paralysis; Preserves; public health; Risk management; Strategy
• ISSN: 0924-2244; 1879-3053
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tifs.2013.07.008

Botulism is a serious disease that causes paralysis or weakness of the muscles, including those needed for breathing. It is caused by a neurotoxin produced by Clostridium botulinum. This manuscript reviews the association of hearts of palm preserves with botulism outbreaks in Brazil, examines the main causes and presents a chronology of the preventive and corrective measures taken by public health authorities. The changes in legislation, processing conditions and controls stipulated to avoid the re-occurrence of botulism outbreaks were also discussed. A perspective on the current situation of hearts of palm preserve-associated botulism outbreaks highlights the success of the risk management strategies implemented. •The occurrence and significance of foodborne botulism in Brazil was examined.•The role of hearts of palm preserves as vehicles for botulism was highlighted.•The causes of hearts of palm preserve-associated botulism outbreaks were discussed.•Risk management strategies adopted by public health authorities were reviewed.•A perspective on the success of the changes implemented to ensure safe preserves was given.