Toxic Oil Syndrome In Spain
In 1981, a disease called “toxic oil syndrome” broke out in Spain caused by contaminated cooking oil leading to the deaths of over 600 people. In response to this crisis, the Spanish government offered free olive oil in exchange for the contaminated one. The food poisoning is believed to have happened when low-budget colza oil was imported into the country from France.
The colza oil was then refined and sold by street vendors as olive oil. Symptoms of the disease resembled a lung infection that weakened immune systems and was followed with skin problems. This condition was even resistant to antibiotics, and there are numerous conspiracy theories associated with the case. All of which has added to its fame.
