Three women die after eating arsenic-laced Christmas cake in Brazil
- Three women experienced fatal health issues after consuming a Christmas cake at a family gathering in Brazil during December 2024.
- Medical tests confirmed arsenic in the blood of both deceased and surviving family members, prompting further investigation into the circumstances surrounding the cake and the baker.
- Authorities are now examining past incidents related to the baker's deceased husband, raising questions about food safety and potential foul play.
In Brazil, three women tragically passed away following a family gathering where they consumed a traditional homemade Christmas cake known as Bolo de Natal. The incidents occurred during the holiday season of December 2024, specifically after the cake was eaten on December 23, leading to the deaths of Tatiana Denize Silva dos Anjos, 43, and Maida Berenice Flores da Silva, 58, who both suffered cardiac arrest. Neuza Denize Silva dos Anjos, 65, succumbed to a shock attributed to poisoning on Christmas Eve, or December 24. Subsequent medical analyses revealed the presence of arsenic in the blood of some family members who consumed the cake, raising serious concerns about potential foul play or the food's safety. The case has intensified law enforcement investigations, particularly focusing on the baker, Zeli Terezinha Silva dos Anjos, 61, who hosted the gathering. Furthermore, police requested the exhumation of Zeli's late husband, Paulo Luiz, who died in September 2024 under similar circumstances, which were previously attributed to food poisoning. Their findings have led to scrutiny over potential expired food products found at Zeli's residence, including medications, which were deemed suspicious. As investigations continue, several family members remain hospitalized while authorities begin questioning witnesses connected to this family tragedy, trying to uncover whether this was an unintentional incident or something more sinister.