The answer is yes, you can get botulism from store bought canned food. This is because botulism is a bacterial disease caused by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. This bacterium can grow and produce toxin in a variety of foods, including canned foods.
When it comes to canned food and botulism, the biggest risk factor is improper storage or handling. Canned foods that have been stored at room temperature or above for long periods of time are at greater risk for contamination with C. botulinum spores and toxin production. Improperly sealed cans or cans with bulging lids also increase the risk for botulism growth and toxin production within the can.
Additionally, certain types of food are more susceptible to being contaminated with C. botulinum spores than others, such as low-acid vegetables, fish, and meats. It’s important to note that boiling or cooking food in a can will not prevent or eliminate the risk of contamination with C. botulinum spores or toxin production.
Symptoms Of Botulism
Symptoms of botulism typically appear within 18-36 hours after consuming contaminated food, but may take up to 10 days before they start showing in some cases. Symptoms include blurred vision, double vision, drooping eyelids, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, dry mouth, and muscle weakness.
Treatment For Botulism
If you think you may have consumed contaminated food that may have caused a case of botulism it’s important to seek medical attention immediately as treatment is essential for recovery from this potentially fatal illness.
Treatment includes an antitoxin medication which helps block the action of the toxin and antibiotics which help fight off any remaining bacteria in the body.
Conclusion:
Yes, it is possible to get botulism from store bought canned food if it has not been stored properly or contains certain types of food items with higher levels of risk for contamination with Clostridium botulinum spores or toxin production. It’s important to seek medical attention immediately if symptoms occur as treatment is essential for recovery from this potentially fatal illness.