What food is botulism most commonly found in?

Low-acid foods are the most common sources of botulism linked to home canning. These foods have a pH level greater than 4.6. Low-acid foods include most vegetables (including asparagus, green beans, beets, corn, and potatoes), some fruits (including some tomatoes and figs), milk, all meats, fish, and other seafood.

cdc.gov - Home Canning and Botulism | CDC

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Home canning is an excellent way to preserve garden produce and share it with family and friends. But it can be risky—or even deadly—if not done correctly and safely. Home-canned vegetables are the most common cause of botulism outbreaks in the United States. Learn how you can preserve vegetables—as well as fruits, meats, seafood, and more—correctly and safely.

What is botulism?

Botulism is a rare but serious illness caused by a toxin that attacks the body’s nerves. It can cause difficulty breathing, muscle paralysis, and even death. The toxin is made most often by Clostridium botulinum bacteria. Improperly canned, preserved, or fermented foods can provide the right conditions for the bacteria to make the toxin. You cannot see, smell, or taste the toxin, but taking even a small taste of food containing it can be deadly. Botulism is a medical emergency. If you or someone you know has symptoms of botulism, contact your doctor or go to the emergency room immediately.

How can I help prevent botulism from home-canned foods?

You can protect yourself, your family, and others by following these tips.

1. Use proper canning techniques.

The best way to prevent foodborne botulism is by carefully following instructions for safe home canning from the USDA Complete Guide to Home Canning. Only use recipes and cookbooks that follow the steps in the USDA guide. Don’t use other recipes, even if you got them from a trusted friend or family member.

You can learn more about proper home canning from these resources:

The National Center for Home Food Preservation

State and county extension services (click on your state or scroll down for a list of all services) 2. Use the right equipment for the kind of food you are canning. Low-acid foods are the most common sources of botulism linked to home canning. These foods have a pH level greater than 4.6. Low-acid foods include most vegetables (including asparagus, green beans, beets, corn, and potatoes), some fruits (including some tomatoes and figs), milk, all meats, fish, and other seafood.

Pressure canning is the only recommended method for canning low-acid foods.

Do not use a boiling water canner for low- acid foods because it will not protect against botulism. because it will not protect against botulism. Do not use an electric, multi-cooker appliance, even if it has a “canning” or “steam canning” button on the front panel. Learn more .

When pressure canning, keep the following things in mind.

Use a recommended pressure canner that holds at least four one-quart jars sitting upright on the rack. Be sure the gauge of the pressure canner is accurate. Many county extension offices will check gauges. Contact the pressure canner manufacturer for other options.

Clean lid gaskets and other parts according to the manufacturer’s directions.

Vent the pressure canner before pressurizing and follow recommended cooling steps.

Use up-to-date processing times and pressures for the kind of food, the size of jar, and the method of packing food in the jar. Pay special attention to processing times for low-acid foods. Review USDA’s Complete Guide to Home Canning [PDF – 40 pages] for more information on pressure canning.

3. When in doubt, throw it out!

If you have any doubt whether safe canning guidelines have been followed, do not eat the food. Home-canned and store-bought food might be contaminated with toxins or harmful germs if:

the container is leaking, bulging, or swollen;

the container looks damaged, cracked, or abnormal;

the container spurts liquid or foam when opened; or

the food is discolored, moldy, or smells bad.

What else should I know about preventing botulism?

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What are the warning signs of botulism?

Signs and symptoms might include: Difficulty swallowing. Muscle weakness. Double vision. Drooping eyelids. Blurry vision. Slurred speech. Difficulty breathing. Difficulty moving the eyes.

cdc.gov - Symptoms | Botulism - CDC

Signs and symptoms might include:

Difficulty swallowing

Muscle weakness

Double vision

Drooping eyelids

Blurry vision

Slurred speech

Difficulty breathing

Difficulty moving the eyes

Possible signs and symptoms in foodborne botulism might also include:

Vomiting

Nausea

Stomach pain

Diarrhea

Signs and symptoms in an infant might include:

Constipation

Poor feeding

Drooping eyelids

Pupils that are slow to react to light

Face showing less expression than usual

Weak cry that sounds different than usual

Difficulty breathing

People with botulism might not have all of these symptoms at the same time. The symptoms all result from muscle paralysis caused by the toxin. If untreated, the disease may progress and symptoms may worsen to cause full paralysis of some muscles, including those used in breathing and those in the arms, legs, and trunk (part of the body from the neck to the pelvis area, also called the torso). In foodborne botulism, symptoms generally begin 18 to 36 hours after eating a contaminated food. If you or someone you know has symptoms of botulism, immediately see your doctor or go to the emergency room.

Next: Find out how doctors diagnose and treat botulism >

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