Over at Outbreak Database, we have been keeping track of foodborne illness outbreaks – small and large – over the last 12 months. Here is one of the more interesting Botulism Outbreaks:
Utah State Prison Pruno October 2011 – 12 Ill. Inmates of a Utah State Prison developed botulism after drinking pruno. Pruno is a drink made from various fruit, potato, bread, water, table scraps, and sugar, which are then fermented to make alcohol. Making pruno in prison is a violation of prison rules. Most illnesses began on October 1. The last illness began on October 3. Health officials planned to test pruno samples to pinpoint the specific source. Three of the twelve who became ill were critically ill.