California man dies after consuming 'contaminated' nacho-cheese

California Department of Public Health confirms botulism toxin was present in the dip

At least one person died and nine others were hospitalised after having contaminated nacho-cheese in California.

According to a Times report, Martine Galindo-Larios Jr was hospitalised after eating the botulism-infected cheese bought from Valley Oak Food and Fuel gas station near Sacramento.

In a statement, California Department of Public Health (CDPH) confirmed that botulism toxin was present in nacho-cheese dip.

The agency said the container and cheese dip were discarded soon after Larios Jr and others fell ill, adding that the authorities believed the contamination posed no additional threat to the public.



“While there are still unanswered questions about this outbreak, these tragic illnesses are important reminders to be vigilant about food safety,” said CDPH director Dr Karen Smith.

Foodborne botulism is a "rare but serious paralytic illness caused by a nerve toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum." It can be treated with antitoxin and supportive care, and only five per cent of such cases end in fatalities.