**Tragic Christmas Cake Poisoning Claims Three Lives in Brazil**

**Local police continue to probe the circumstances surrounding the deaths, as toxic cake leads to hospitalization and exhumation request**

In a shocking incident that unfolded during a family Christmas gathering in Torres, Brazil, three women have died following suspected poisoning from a homemade cake. Authorities have confirmed that arsenic, a highly toxic substance, has been detected in the blood of one of the deceased, as well as in a 10-year-old boy and the woman who prepared the cake who is currently under medical care.

The gatherings were held in Rio Grande do Sul state, where five family members tasted the Christmas cake on Monday afternoon, leading to sudden health complications that resulted in a trip to the hospital. The alarming symptoms, including vomiting and diarrhea, prompted swift medical attention at the Nossa Senhora dos Navegantes Hospital. Tragically, two sisters, Maida Berenice Flores da Silva, 58, and Tatiana Denize Silva dos Santos, 43, succumbed to cardiac arrests shortly after seeking help. Another victim, a 65-year-old woman identified as Neuza Denize Silva dos Anjos, died from "shock after food poisoning."

Local police are actively investigating the incident and have collected samples of the cake for testing. During a subsequent search of the cake maker's home, several expired food items were discovered, raising further questions about food safety. While tests from the cake are expected to be ready by next week, authorities have stated that it is still undetermined whether the poisoning was a result of foul play.

Additionally, police have moved to exhume the body of the cake maker's deceased husband, who died from food poisoning in September; at the time, his death was classified as natural. Notably, the cake maker, who is currently hospitalized, is not yet considered a suspect in these ongoing investigations.

Witnesses reported that the cake had a peculiar "peppery" taste, which some family members remarked on prior to falling ill. Investigations are focused on determining the origin of the arsenic and the circumstances surrounding the tragic event, as it raises serious concerns regarding food safety and health regulations in the region.

Arsenic is a naturally occurring metallic element that can be highly toxic in its inorganic form. The World Health Organization has classified it as a category one carcinogen, known to have serious health effects, including increased cancer risk from prolonged ingestion.