YEREVAN. - Armenia registered 16 cases of botulism in 2011, which affected 27 people. Three people died as a result of poisoning, said the Head of Food Safety Division of State Hygienic and Anti-Epidemiological Inspectorate of Armenian Ministry of Health Margarita Babayan to a press conference.

She stressed that the main sources of poisoning are homemade canned red peppers, eggplant caviar and tomatoes.

According to her, the canned food should be boiled for 20-25 minutes at 110-120 degrees before using.

Symptoms of botulism are: vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, dizziness, weakness, etc. Babayan recommended not engaging in self-medicate and immediately seeking medical attention in the event of any of these symptoms.