Know about Clostridium Botulinum
By Allison Boschini
What do you really know about Clostridium Botulinum?
Some foods/sources associated with Clostridium Botulinum are:
- Canned foods
- Green beans
- Soups
- Mushrooms
- Spinach
The implicated illnesses and incubation period for Clostridium Botulinum
Symptoms and the duration of symptoms of Clostridium Botulinum
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Headaches
The duration of the symptoms is approximately 12 to 36 hour.
Steps for prevention
- Clean the food before preparation
- Properly can foods
- Check the seals on all cans; no broken labels and dents
- Buy canned foods from a known store
Farm-To-Table Continuum
It starts at the farm if it is exposed to low oxygen leveled environments. Once it has attacked the plants/fruits it has already been exposed to the toxin.
Processing
If the canned fruits and vegetables are not canned properly, then the virus can attack here if not already done so at the farm.
Transportation
If the cans are transported at low oxygen level environments, then Clostridium Botulinum can began while being transported to the stores.
Retail
If the cans are stored at low oxygen levels for a very long period of time it can attack here.
Home/table
By not washing the cans before opening them can result in Clostridium Botulinum. If there is fresh food, you should always wash that before cooking as well.