An Outbreak of Type A Foodborne Botulism in Taiwan due to Commercially Preserved Peanuts

Abstract

Chou J H (Field Epidemiology Training Program, Department of Health, Taiwan, Republic of China), Hwang P H, and Malison M D. An outbreak of type A foodborne botulism in Taiwan due to commercially preserved peanuts. International Journal of Epidemiology 1988, 17: 899–902. Until recently, botulism was not recognized as an important public health problem in Taiwan. In 1986, an outbreak of type A foodborne botulism resulted in nine cases, two of them fatal. The vehicle in this outbreak was commercially preserved peanuts processed by an improperly equipped, unlicensed cannery. A single batch of peanuts was implicated; however, we could not determine why this particular batch was contaminated. Efforts to recall the product were hampered by a lack of distribution records. Mass media announcements were used to warn the public about the outbreak, and preliminary data suggest the ensuing publicity improved botulism surveillance. The local preference for low-acid preserved foods, increasing consumerism, the shortage of adequately trained inspectors are factors which probably contributed to this outbreak. Stricter enforcement of food sanitation policies are needed to meet the changing situation in Taiwan.