Botulism
A rare but potentially fatal illness caused by one of the most potent toxins known.
What is Botulism?
Botulism is a rare but serious illness caused by toxins produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. The toxin attacks the body's nerves, causing difficulty breathing, muscle paralysis, and potentially death. Foodborne botulism is a medical emergency.
The bacteria thrive in low-oxygen environments, making improperly canned or preserved foods the most common source. This includes home-canned vegetables, fermented foods, and commercially produced products with inadequate processing controls. The toxin cannot be seen, smelled, or tasted.
Symptoms
- Double or blurred vision
- Drooping eyelids
- Slurred speech
- Difficulty swallowing and breathing
- Muscle weakness progressing downward through the body
- Nausea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps
Onset: Symptoms usually appear 12 to 36 hours after eating contaminated food, but can occur as early as 6 hours or as late as 10 days.
Who is Most at Risk?
What Should You Do?
Botulism is a medical emergency. If you suspect you or someone you know has botulism, seek emergency medical care immediately. Early treatment with an antitoxin can prevent the illness from worsening.
If you have a recalled product linked to botulism, do not open or taste it. Place it in a sealed bag and dispose of it in a secured trash container. If the container is leaking, wear gloves when handling it and clean any spills with a diluted bleach solution.
Recent Botulism Recalls
The latest recalls related to Botulism.
Tops Recalls Peeled Garlic Due to Botulism Risk
Genova Tuna Recalled for Botulism Risk in Select States
True Sea Moss Gel Recalled Over Botulism Concerns
Belevini Dried Smelts Recalled for Botulism Risk
ByHeart Infant Formula Recalled for Botulism Risk
ByHeart Recalls Infant Formula Due to Botulism Risk
Stay Informed
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