Spanish oil poisoning survivors threaten suicide at El Prado
October 19, 2021
They said they would take deadly pills within hours if the government did not respond to their demands. However, the protest has since ended.
Thousands died in 1981 after a mass oil poisoningImage: DW/W. Tscheretski
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Survivors of a mass canola oil poisoning which took place decades ago said that they had occupied Madrid's El Prado museum and would commit suicide within hours if the government did not respond to their demands.
However, online news site El Diario said that shortly after protesters arrived, police removed some of them from the scene while others left willingly.
What the protesters demanded
"Six hours after the start of our presence here, we will start ingesting the pills," the protesters said around 11am local time (9am UTC) on the Twitter account belonging to Seguimos Viviendo, an association for victims of a case that caused thousands of fatalities in 1981.
The statement added the Prado is "a global emblem of pride and visibility, and we also want global visibility."
"We have the necessary pills to get the rest that you do not offer us," they said, as they threatened to broadcast their suicide live from the museum.
The group's demands included meeting with Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and mediators by the end of October, and money to cover medical expenses for surviving victims of one of the world's biggest food poisoning scandals.
The group additionally said they had chosen the museum for their protest because culture had helped victims to cope. The protesters could be seen in front of the "Las Meninas" painting made by Diego Velazquez.
"We have unfolded a sign in remembrance of the 40 years we have been victims, sick and abandoned by all the governments," a protester said, according to a video shown shared by newspaper El Pais.
Officers detain protesters
Police detained two of the protesters and the others left the museum around noon, the association "We Are Still Alive," which defends the victims, told Reuters.
An additional 20 people gathered outside the museum while protests took place inside.
Thousands of people suffered lung diseases related to the consumption of processed rapeseed cooking oil. Thousands of others suffered lifelong injuries. About 100,000 individuals were exposed and clinical disease occurred in 20,000 people, 10,000 of whom were hospitalized, according to Science Direct website.
Estimates of deaths related to the poisoning range from 300 up to 5,000.
Dirty food: 5 of the most common causes of food poisoning
At some point in their lives, most people will get food poisoning. Where does it come from? And more importantly, how can you protect yourself?
Image: Imago/Science Photo Library
Aflatoxins – a fungal fiend
Aflatoxins come from a mildew that thrives primarily in the humid climate of the tropics and subtropics. Because this fungus, Aspergillus, loves fat, common targets are nuts and seeds (but also grains and corn.) According to the WHO, Aspergillus leads to the destruction of 25 percent of the world's crops every year...
Image: picture-alliance/BSIP/VEM
Deadly mold
... and long-term exposure to even small amounts of aflatoxins can lead to liver cancer. They can also harm the development of a baby in the womb. Higher concentrations can lead to acute liver poisoning and even death. Cooking or frying doesn't necessarily completely destroy the toxins, so it's important to always check your food for mold. If you find any, dump it!
Image: imago/McPHOTO
Salmonella — not just chicken
Salmonella are bacteria that occur in the gastrointestinal tract of many animals. The infection is often asymptomatic, meaning you don’t show signs of being ill. Contamination usually happens when hygiene standards aren't met — and it doesn’t just affect chickens and eggs, but also things like herbal tea or sesame seeds. You can destroy these pathogens by cooking. Salmonella doesn't like heat.
Image: picture-alliance/dpa/P. Steffen
E. coli and EHEC
Escherichia coli is an intestinal bacterium that performs important functions in our body. But an overexposure to E. coli can lead to various infections, especially in people who have a weak immune system. EHEC bacteria are particularly dangerous. These are coli bacteria that produce toxins that lead to intestinal inflammation.
Image: picture-alliance/AP/CDC/J. Carr
What's more refreshing than salad?
Just like salmonella, coli bacteria can be killed with heat. However, lettuce heads or cucumbers can also be infested, and they’re not typically cooked before they’re eaten. For the sake of your health, it's best to buy vegetables as fresh as possible. Especially if you plan to eat them raw.
Image: Colourbox
Listeria: rare but dangerous
Listeria are extremely resilient bacteria, and they're almost everywhere. Unfortunately, this sometimes includes our food. In our bodies, they can lead to blood poisoning and meningitis, with older people and small children being especially vulnerable. You can destroy listeria with heat, but do it right: Cook your food for at least 10 minutes at a minimum of 70 degrees Celsius (160 Fahrenheit).
Image: Imago Images/Science Photo Library
Not only bacteria
Norovirus is one of the most common causes of the good old stomach flu. As with bacteria, a lack of hygiene is the main route of entry into processed foods. The viruses can survive on vegetables or meat for up to twelve days. Heat also helps against viruses, and washing your hands regularly and well can help prevent an infection.
Image: picture-alliance/Charles D. Humphrey/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/PA
Good to know
Yes, food can be contaminated with germs during production and transportation. But the same can also occur right inside your home. That said, there's no need to despair if you follow a few simple home hygiene rules. First and foremost: Always wash your hands before cooking…
Image: Fotolia/PiChris
The golden rules of kitchen hygiene
... and don't use the same knives and cutting boards for raw meat and raw vegetables. Also, when you're at the supermarket, put refrigerated foods in an insulated bag so they stay cold. At home, meat and fish should be cooked for at least ten minutes at a minimum of 70 degrees Celsius — and then eaten quickly.
