Minced beef heart associated with a Clostridium perfringens food poisoningin a Munich old people's home

One of the five major food poisoning outbreaks which occurred in old people 's homes in Munich in 1998 was caused by Clostridium perfringens. In total, 21 seniors' home residents fell ill after consumption of a dish of minced beef heart. Because two of four residents showing severe symptoms of diarrh ea and vomiting died during stationary hospital treatment, the public prose cutor's office was entrusted with the investigation of this case. Based on the report of the forensic medicine expert the food poisoning incident was not held responsible as cause for the death of the two senior citizens. Yet , labor-intensive laboratory examinations including significant bacteriolog ical typing methods revealed that the same Clostridium perfringens strain w as detected in the sample of the minced beef heart dish involved in the out break as well as in autopsy material of the two deceased residents and addi tionally in stool samples of seven further residents fallen ill with diarrh ea. Taking this present case study as an example, food hygiene issues are b eing considered in this paper presenting fundamental knowledge concerning i ncidence and significance of Clostridium perfringens food poisoning as well as appropriate control measures. In addition, a risk, respectively error a nalysis in connection with this outbreak involving mass catering systems is being carried out. Finally, the basic principles of good kitchen hygiene a re explained, also taking into consideration relevant aspects of food law.