Laboratory investigations into the cause of multiple serious and fatal food poisoning incidents in Uganda during 2019

Abstract During 2019 a series of food poisoning events and deaths occurred in Uganda due to an unknown causative agent. In response the World Food Programme (WFP) initiated investigations into incidents which included contacting expert laboratories analyse main suspect product known as Super Cereal. The used broad gamut their testing capabilities determine cause incidents. This targeted non-targeted methodologies such LC-MS/MS, QToF-MS spectroscopic techniques coupled chemometrics. conclusion investigation was that presence Tropane alkaloids, atropine scopolamine, These alkaloids were found be present incorporation Datura seeds during production Furthermore, data generated showed all outbreaks caused by single batch