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After Woman's Death, Pombal Pizzeria Closed as Police Investigate 117 Illnesses

Inspectors documented grave hygiene breaches, with laboratory testing planned to identify the cause.

Overview

  • Rayssa Maritein Bezerra e Silva, 44, died after returning to hospital in critical condition following a meal at the restaurant and was transferred to the ICU before her death was confirmed.
  • Authorities report 117 people sought medical care with symptoms consistent with food poisoning, and two patients — an eight-year-old child and a woman — remain hospitalized.
  • The restaurant, identified in Brazilian reporting as La Favoritta, was shut after health officials found insects, improper food storage, inadequate temperatures, rusty equipment and other violations.
  • State and municipal health teams seized ingredients and supplies for analysis, and police said tests will also be conducted on the deceased to determine the pathogen and any responsibility.
  • Rayssa and her boyfriend had eaten a 'carne de sol' sun-dried beef pizza before both initially fell ill, with police opening a criminal investigation into the linked illnesses and death.