Key facts

Cases of food poisoning linked to the consumption of organic buckwheat flour contaminated with Datura

Twenty-five cases of food poisoning have been reported by the Regional Health Agency (ARS) of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur (PACA) region and seven to the ARS of the Rhône-Alpes region since mid-September. All of these cases are linked to the consumption of products made with buckwheat flour likely contaminated by Datura-type plants or seeds. The reported symptoms (dry mouth, dysuria, malaise, accommodation disorder, mydriasis, dysphagia, weakness in the lower limbs, etc.) are consistent with those of atropine poisoning. Management measures (withdrawal of the flour and information at points of sale) have already been implemented.