Watch Out For Clst. botulinum!
The Most Potent Toxin Known to Humankind!!!
Bye-bye, Botulism!
What is it?
Botulism can cause many symptoms if you are caught with his rare paralytic illness, including: double vision, blurred vision, drooping eyelids, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, dry mouth, muscle weakness, and worst of all, paralysis.
How do you find it?
Botulinum is a rod shaped germ that can come in five forms: foodborne botulism, wound botulism, infant botulism, adult intestinal botulism, and lastly, iatrogenic botulism.
Where can it be found?
The Clostridium botulinum germ could be found in these hideouts: soil, food infected with the botulinum toxin, improperly canned foods, intestines of adults and infants, infected wounds, and honey.
How do you prevent it?
To prevent botulism from invading YOUR food or even entering your body, follow THESE STEPS: use proper canning techniques (pressure cook foods at 250F for 20-100 minutes depending on the food or boil), prepare and store food safely (don't eat canned food if the container is bulging or if it smells spoiled), avoid feeding infants under 12 months honey, and never inject or inhale street drugs!!!
Think that you don't have to do anything to prevent Botulism?
Does paralysis seem fun to you? How about respiratory failure? Invaded intestines? Your answer better be NO. If you suspect this deadly germ is hiding somewhere in your neighborhood, CONTACT YOUR LOCAL DOCTOR.
To Prevent ANY Foodborne Illness
- Wash your hands before and after every meal with warm, soapy water!
- Cook foods THOROUGHLY to kill any bacteria!
- After cutting raw meat, poultry, or seafood, WASH YOU CUTTING BOARD BEFORE using it to cut fresh fruits and vegetables and vice versa!
- Use a thermometer to check if meat and poultry are completely cooked!
- Thaw foods in the fridge or microwave oven, and nEvEr the kitchen counter!