A suspected outbreak of a rare and extremely dangerous food poisoning in Moscow has resulted in over 120 individuals seeking medical assistance, with at least 30 requiring intensive care, according to health officials on Monday. The patients were hospitalized due to suspected food-borne botulism, a potentially fatal condition affecting the nervous system and leading to respiratory failure and paralysis. Russian authorities identified the toxic outbreak as originating from salads distributed by a well-known online delivery service, which halted operations temporarily on Sunday amidst a criminal investigation. Anastasia Rakova, the Deputy Mayor of Moscow, reported that 121 people sought medical help, with 55 in serious condition, including 30 in intensive care. The city's consumer and health watchdog, Rospotrebnadzor, is conducting an epidemiological investigation into the suspected cases of botulism. The Moscow prosecutor's office has initiated a criminal investigation regarding a breach of consumer safety standards. Deputy Mayor Rakova assured that there is no immediate threat to the lives of those hospitalized due to prompt medical intervention. The World Health Organisation notes that food-borne botulism can be fatal without swift treatment using antitoxins. Botulism is a rare condition usually caused by improperly processed food, often associated with canned and preserved goods, and does not spread from person to person. The food delivery company involved, Kuchnia Na Rayone, identified a potential risk with a salad containing tinned beans and suspended orders. In 2021, there were 82 confirmed cases of botulism across the European Economic Area, as reported by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control.