Brazilian police are investigating the incident of three women in Torres who died after eating cakes contaminated with arsenic.
Three victims, aged 43 to 65, died after eating a dessert during a family gathering on December 23. Cake made from dried fruit, covered with white cream and decorated with cherries. The baker and a 10-year-old boy are also being treated for poisoning at the hospital. At the meeting, there was only one person who did not eat the cake and was not affected.
Test results showed that the cake contained arsenic. Blood samples from three victims were also positive for this toxin. Police found some expired food in the baker’s house.
It is unclear whether the cause of the incident was poisoning or intentional poisoning. Police are waiting for the baker to recover for questioning. Previously, they took statements from 15 other people related to the incident. To date, investigators have not come to any conclusions.
A type of cake often used at year-end gatherings. Image: Pexel
Reports said the baker had a good relationship with the rest of the family, with no initial signs of conflict. Some members said the cake tasted “spicy”.
According to local media, police have requested to exhume the body of the baker’s late husband. He died in September from food poisoning. At that time, police concluded that he died of natural causes.
According to the US National Institutes of Health, some foods contain small amounts of inorganic and organic arsenic. Arsenic is known to be a potent toxin that can cause many serious health problems, including acute and chronic poisoning, cancer, and skin diseases. Long-term exposure to arsenic can lead to symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and nerve damage. Scientists recommend regularly testing some foods to detect arsenic, especially inorganic arsenic – which is believed to be more toxic than organic.