Botulism: Six people hospitalized after contamination in Maine-et-Loire

"These are retired couples who shared, at different times, a carrot cake made from carrots put in a jar by one of the couples," said the ARS of the Pays de la Loire region. "Research is continuing to determine how many people within the family and friends circle also consumed these foods," the ARS stated in its press release, adding that "none of these foods were marketed."

The ARS declined to comment on the current health status of those hospitalized. Botulism is a rare and serious neurological condition, fatal in 5 to 10% of cases, caused by a very powerful toxin produced by a bacterium that thrives in poorly preserved food due to insufficient sterilization.