Subscribe on iTunes | SoundCloud
Episode Transcription
This is Food Safety in a Minute from Washington State University Extension.
A powerful neurotoxin from Clostridium botulinum bacterium led to the death of a Washington State resident in April. While rare, botulism is a serious foodborne illnesses, sometimes linked to improperly home canned products. Clostridium botulinum is widespread in soil and water. In soil, it often forms a protective spore around itself. With the right anaerobic conditions in improperly canned food, it can produce a toxin.
Symptoms usually occur 18 to 36 hours after toxin ingestion. Symptoms often begin with nausea, blurred or double vision, slurred speech, inability to swallow, breathing difficulties, then whole body muscle weakness. Without quick anti-toxin treatment, those affected may be hospitalized for months or may die.
Next week, learn about home canned foods associated with botulism.
This is Susie Craig from Food Safety in a Minute.
Resources
Bad Bug Book. Food and Drug Administration. 2/1/22. Accessed online 5-19-22.
Botulism. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated 8-19-19. Accessed online 5-19-22.