In a joint statement, the DGS and the Food and Economic Security Authority (ASAE) indicate that in recent weeks, 187 suspected cases of food poisoning associated with the consumption of cornbread have been detected in a specific area of the country, which includes the districts of Leiria ( Pombal, Ansião, Leiria, Marinha Grande, Pedrógão Grande), Santarém (Ourém), Coimbra (Figueira da Foz, Condeixa-a-Nova and Coimbra) and Aveiro (Ílhavo, Vagos).

The two entities point out that this is a preventive and transitory measure, appealing to the collaboration of citizens "until this food is considered safe".

DGS and ASAE state that, following this situation, measures were implemented by the competent authorities in the sense of restricting the raw materials used in the manufacture of cornbread that is suspected to be involved.

According to ASAE and DGS, 187 cases were registered, between 21 July and 9 August, which presented a similar symptomatic picture, mainly dry mouth, visual alterations, dizziness, mental confusion and decrease in muscle strength, these symptoms being observed between 30 minutes to two hours after ingestion of food.

In most cases, there was no symptomatology within a few hours, with symptoms classified as mild, with only 43 of the suspected cases requiring hospital care.

ASAE and DGS add that it was determined to open an epidemiological investigation, which is ongoing.

The two entities claim that, despite the still existing uncertainty, it was possible to determine that those affected had in common the consumption of cornbread produced and distributed in the districts of Santarém, Leiria, Coimbra and Aveiro, so that the suspicion of the origin of the toxinfection can be related to the flour used in making this food.