Botulism 101: Types, Causes, Symptoms, Complications, Treatment, And Prevention

How To Prevent Botulism From Food

Foodborne botulism is the most commonly experienced type of botulism. Harmful bacteria live and thrive in environments with little oxygen, which is where they produce the harmful toxin that characterizes the sickness. When an individual is afflicted, symptoms will typically begin to present between twelve to thirty-six hours after consumption of the toxin and last anywhere from a few hours to a few days. Learning how to prevent botulism from food is one of the most effective ways of reducing one's risk of becoming ill. The first and foremost consideration is to learn proper canning techniques when doing so at home. Pressure-cooking foods to be canned for twenty to one hundred minutes ensures the botulism germs in food are destroyed. Boiling also kills germs. Never eat from a sealed container with a bulge in it or if the food smells spoiled. However, taste and smell don't always give away the presence of the bacterium, so be sure to follow the aforementioned tips as well.