The contamination of several packets of buckwheat flour caused the poisoning of 49 people, including 5 children, in Brittany, alerted the Breton Regional Health Agency.
In a press release dated April 26, 2024, the Brittany Regional Health Agency reported food poisoning linked to the consumption of certain batches of organic buckwheat flour from the JP Cloteau brand. Buckwheat flour found in particular in stores specializing in organic farming products in the four Breton departments. The recall comes after several reports of food poisoning, caused by the presence of datura in buckwheat seeds.
“ARS Bretagne received 11 reports between April 15 and April 29, 2024: they concern 49 poisoned people including 5 children,” specifies the agency. Two people were hospitalized with “a favorable development” and three others went to the emergency room “for a few hours for monitoring”, according to BFMTV. An alert was launched on the Rappel Conso website inviting consumers to check if they have organic buckwheat flour from the JP Cloteau brand bearing batch number 2A, to be consumed preferably before March 2025. “If you If you have a product with this batch number, you must absolutely not consume it,” reminds the ARS.
Datura stramonium, also known as ‘devil’s plant’ is a very common weed that can be found growing in buckwheat fields. As the Regional Health Agency points out, datura naturally contains very high levels of tropane alkaloids (atropine and scopolamine). These alkaloids are toxic and have effects on the nervous system. This plant can contaminate certain crops and be harmful. the cause of acute poisoning.” Symptoms caused by consumption of this plant may include: hallucinations, dry mouth, space-time disorientation, dilated pupils, visual disturbances, tachycardia, agitation, confusion.
Buyers holding a loyalty card were contacted individually. Others are invited to return the product to the store for destruction. If you consume the product and if any of the symptoms appear, you should contact your doctor or the 15th.