While you are enjoying a summer cookout with your co-workers or celebrating at a family member’s graduation party, you are most likely going to consume food that is prepared in someone’s home. For the people in charge of food preparation for summer gatherings, it is important to follow food safety instructions while cooking in the kitchen, grilling, and canning to prevent foodborne illness.
How do you prevent botulism?
The foodborne illness known as botulism has no smell or taste but can be dangerous. To prevent botulism, it’s best to be informed on what it is and what safety precautions you should take in your own home.
What is botulism?
According to the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, botulism is a serious illness caused by a toxin that stops the body’s control of muscle movement, including the muscles that help you breathe. The toxin is made when the botulism bacteria create toxic spores, which are made only under certain conditions, typically from improperly canned, preserved, or fermented foods.
What are the symptoms of botulism?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “symptoms of botulism usually start with weakness of the muscles that control the eyes, face, mouth, and throat. This weakness may spread to the neck, arms, torso, and legs. Botulism also can weaken the muscles involved in breathing, which can lead to difficulty breathing and even death.”
Additional symptoms of botulism:
- Double vision
- Blurred vision
- Drooping eyelids
- Slurred speech
- Difficulty swallowing
- Thick-feeling tongue
- Dry mouth
- Muscle weakness
If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of botulism, go to the emergency room immediately.
How can you prevent botulism?
When you eat out, the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology suggests checking cleanliness ratings, choosing places that look clean, asking how food is prepared, avoiding foods that sit out in conditions other than proper temperatures, and properly handling leftovers to reduce your risk of foodborne illnesses.
Following safe home canning instructions, performing hand hygiene, and properly washing, cleaning, and sterilizing canning materials are also recommended.