The manager of an organic wine bar in Bordeaux, France, was charged with involuntary manslaughter, among other offenses, on Wednesday over the death of a Greek national from botulism poisoning in early September. The outbreak was the result of improperly prepared oil-based sardine preserves that were served at the bar and which sent several more to intensive care.
Frédérique Porterie, the public prosecutor in Bordeaux, announced that the Tchin Tchin Wine Bar manager is now under formal investigation with additional charges that include endangering the lives of others, failure to assist a person in danger, sale of corrupted or toxic goods. The wine bar was also reported on being in breach of various health and hygiene rules.
The manager could face up to five years in prison and a fine between 45,000 and 600,000 euros. In the meantime, he has been released under strict conditions, mainly a ban on managing or operating a food service establishment.
