Botulism: how do you know if a food is contaminated?

If cases are rare in France, they are always taken very seriously. A simple jar of homemade beans or a poorly sterilized preserver may be enough to trigger serious poisoning. So how can we identify the signs of a potentially dangerous food? What products to avoid? And above all, What reflexes adopt to protect you ? We explain everything to you.

Botulism: the signs that must high

First reflex: Observe the packaging. If a canned box is curved or if the cover of a jar is inflated, distrust! This can be a sign that gas has formed inside, often because of active bacteria. If you open a preserved and that a liquid throw escapes,, that sparkling appears or that the smell seems strange, Do not take any risk.

But beware: Most often, botulism leaves no visible clue. The food may seem completely normal. This is what makes it particularly dangerous. It is therefore better to respect precautions, especially with the homemade canned.

The most risky foods

Do you make preserves or homemade jars? It’s great … but it requires rigor. Vegetables, meats or fish in poorly sterilized jars are the most frequently involved foods in cases of botulism. The danger comes from too short sterilization or not hot enough.

Other products to monitor: artisanal cold meatsvacuum foods, fermented dishes, or smoked fish. And if you have a baby at home, Never give him honey before her 12 months : He can contain spores from the bacteria.

The right reflexes to adopt

Do you have a doubt about a food? Do not consume it. Even if you hate throwing away, The risk is not worth it. For home -in -law, uses a sterilizer or a pressure cooker, and respects the right temperatures (at least 120 ° C). Also avoids reusing damaged jars or covers already used.

And above all, remains attentive (ve) to alert signs In the hours following a suspicious meal: blurred vision, speech disturbances, muscle fatigue, difficulty swallowing … These are symptoms typical of botulism. In this case, Immediately call the 15th : This is a vital emergency.

FAQ – Everything you need to know about botulism

1. How do you know if a food contains botulism?
In the majority of cases, you cannot Neither see, nor feel, nor taste The toxin responsible for botulism. Some signs must nevertheless bring you out: swollen can, leakage, strange smell, foam or troubled liquid. If in doubt, does not consume the product.

2. What foods most at risk of botulism?
THE Poorly sterilized canned houseTHE artisanal cold meatsTHE vacuum foods and the Honey for infants are the most concerned. Poor conservation promotes the development of toxin.

3. What are the first symptoms of botulism?
Symptoms appear between 12 and 36 hours After ingestion: blurred vision,, difficulty in speaking or swallowing,, muscle fatigueThen progressive paralysis. This is a absolute medical emergency.

4. Can we die of botulism?
Yes. Without rapid treatment, botulism can cause respiratory paralysis and be mortal. Fortunately, the cases are rare and taken very seriously in France.

5. How to avoid botulism at home?
It’s necessary Sterilize preserved at high temperature (120 ° C minimum)respect the rules of hygiene, never consume a suspicious product and Never give honey to a child under a year old.

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