Authorities in southern Italy are responding to a toxic botulism outbreak after one man died and nine others were hospitalised after eating broccoli sandwiches.

Artist Luigi Di Sarno, 52, collapsed after eating the sandwich, which was allegedly contaminated, from a food truck in the Cosenza province.

Nine others were taken to the intensive care unit of Annunziata Hospital, including two teenagers and two women in their 40s.

Botulism is a rare but life-threatening condition caused by toxins produced by Clostridium botulinum bacteria.

These toxins attack the nervous system and can cause paralysis but can be treated.

Following the outbreak in the Cosenza region, officials have ordered the immediate seizure of a commercial product, which is thought to be broccoli in oil.

The food truck w

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