A family in Brazil is grappling with the tragic deaths of three women and the hospitalisation of others after eating Christmas Cake at a family gathering which was found to have been laced with arsenic. The discovery of arsenic in their blood has led to an ongoing investigation, with authorities now considering the possibility that the poisonings were not accidental.
Family Served with Arsenic Christmas Cake
On December 23, a family gathering in Torres, a city in southern Brazil, took a horrifying turn when six out of seven people present fell ill after consuming a homemade Christmas cake, known locally as “Bolo de Natal.” The cake, a tradition in the family, was baked by 61-year-old Zeli Terezinha Silva dos Anjos, along with her sister Maida Berenice Flores da Silva, 58 and was shared among family members.
Tatiana Denize Silva dos Anjos, 43, and Maida, 58, tragically died the same day after suffering cardiac arrest. Neuza Denize Silva dos Anjos, 65, the third victim, passed away the following day after experiencing severe shock caused by food poisoning. While three others, including a 10-year-old boy, were hospitalised, their conditions remain critical.
The tragedy has shaken the family and the community, with many questioning the cause of the food poisoning. Local police have now confirmed that traces of arsenic were found in the blood of the victims, raising suspicions that the poisoning was intentional.
Search For Answers
The police investigation is still ongoing, with officials working to determine whether the poisoning was deliberate or the result of an accidental contamination. In their search for answers, authorities have discovered several concerning details. Out-of-date food items, including a bottle of mayonnaise past its expiration date, were found in the house where the cake was prepared. In addition, an unusual white liquid was discovered inside a bottle that should have contained capsules. This substance is now being examined for any connection to the poisonings.
The family had made this Christmas cake for years without any prior issues, leading some to wonder how such a tragedy could have occurred. Zeli, who baked the cake, consumed two slices herself and is now being treated in hospital, alongside other members of the family who ate the cake. Police have sent the cake for testing, and the results are expected to be available next week.
Family History
This tragic event is not the first time the family has been affected by food poisoning. In September, Zeli’s husband, Paolo Luiz, died after reportedly contracting food poisoning. His death was initially deemed natural and not investigated further. However, following the recent deaths, police have decided to exhume his body for further analysis, with the hope of finding a connection between the two incidents.
At this stage, the investigation has not named Zeli as a suspect, and it remains unclear whether the poisoning was a result of negligence or something more sinister.
Arsenic Poisoning Danger
Arsenic is a naturally occurring element that can be highly toxic in its inorganic form. It is classified as a category one carcinogen by the European Union, meaning it is known to cause cancer in humans. Long-term exposure to arsenic can result in a range of health issues, including skin lesions, respiratory problems, and an increased risk of cancer.
In this case, arsenic poisoning seems to have occurred after the family consumed the contaminated Christmas cake. Although arsenic can be found in small amounts in the environment, elevated levels typically come from contaminated water, food preparation practices, or exposure to certain industrial processes. It can also be present in some pesticides and medicines, although these uses are limited.
The presence of arsenic in the victims’ blood tests is a clear indication of a serious poisoning, prompting a thorough investigation into the source of the contamination.
A Community, Shocked
The tragic deaths have sent shockwaves through the community of Torres, leaving residents and local authorities struggling to come to terms with the loss. The cake, once a symbol of family tradition, has now become a grim reminder of the potential dangers lurking in everyday food preparations.
A family friend who spoke to Brazilian media described the cake as a beloved tradition, something the family had made for years without incident.
“It was a traditional family cake, a king’s cake, which they always, always, always made,” the friend said, expressing disbelief at the events that unfolded.
Ongoing Investigation
As investigations continue, the Brazilian police are focusing on the family’s history and the food items found in their home. While it remains unclear whether the poisoning was deliberate or accidental, authorities are taking every possible measure to uncover the truth.
In the meantime, the family’s tragedy has raised important questions about food safety and the risks of foodborne illnesses. The case is expected to bring greater attention to the need for thorough food safety checks, especially when dealing with homemade goods and older food products.
Food Safety Tips
Store Food Properly
- Refrigerate perishable items like meats, dairy, and leftovers within 2 hours of cooking or purchasing. In hot weather (above 32°C), refrigerate within 1 hour.
- Freeze food if you can’t eat it soon. Store frozen items at -18°C or lower.
- Check expiration dates and use food within the recommended time frame. Dispose of expired food immediately.
Practice Good Hygiene
- Wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds before handling food, after touching raw food, or after using the bathroom.
- Clean surfaces and utensils regularly, especially when switching between raw and cooked foods. Use hot, soapy water and a clean cloth.
- Sanitize cutting boards regularly, and if possible, use separate boards for raw meats and vegetables.
Cook Food to the Right Temperature
- Use a food thermometer to ensure meats reach the proper temperature (e.g., chicken should reach 75°C internally).
- Avoid undercooking any food, especially poultry, seafood, eggs, and ground meats.
Be Careful with Leftovers
- Cool leftovers quickly by refrigerating them in shallow containers. Don’t leave food at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
- Reheat thoroughly, ensuring food reaches at least 75°C when reheated.
Check for Spoiled Food
- Inspect food for signs of spoilage like an off smell, change in colour or texture, or mould.
- Dispose of food that shows any signs of being spoiled or if it’s past its use-by date.
Avoid Cross-Contamination
- Keep raw food separate from cooked or ready-to-eat food, including in your shopping cart, fridge, and during preparation.
- Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly, even those you peel, to remove dirt and bacteria.
Use Safe Water Sources
- Ensure that drinking water is safe and free of contaminants, especially if you’re unsure about the quality of local water.
- When preparing food, use clean, filtered water for cooking and washing produce.
This heartbreaking case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of food safety and the potential risks associated with improperly stored or expired food. While it is still unclear whether the poisoning was intentional or accidental, the discovery of arsenic in the victims’ blood highlights the dangers of consuming contaminated food. As investigations continue, it is crucial that we all take extra precautions to ensure that our food is safe to consume, especially during holiday gatherings and family celebrations. Foodborne illnesses can have devastating consequences, and this tragedy underscores the need for vigilance in food preparation and storage practices to prevent such incidents from happening in the future.
