Home-canned food is a great way to save money and enjoy a wide variety of foods all year round. Unfortunately, it also comes with the risk of botulism, a serious and potentially deadly form of food poisoning.
Botulism is caused by the toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. The toxin can affect the nervous system and cause difficulty breathing, paralysis, and even death. It’s important to be aware of the potential risks associated with home-canned food so that you can take steps to prevent it.
Symptoms
The first sign of botulism from home canned food is usually nausea or vomiting. Other symptoms include double or blurred vision, drooping eyelids, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, muscle weakness or paralysis, and difficulty breathing. If you experience any of these symptoms after eating home-canned food, seek medical attention immediately.
Preventing Botulism
Fortunately, there are several ways to reduce your risk of botulism when home canning. The most important step is to ensure that your jars are properly sealed before storing them.
Make sure that the lids fit snugly and that there are no air bubbles in the jar before you seal it. Also be sure to use only fresh ingredients for your recipes; older ingredients may not have enough acidity to kill off any potential bacteria.
Testing Canned Foods
Unfortunately, it isn’t always possible to tell if canned food has been contaminated with botulism simply by looking at it or tasting it. If you suspect that your canned food may be contaminated with botulism, you should take it to your local health department for testing.
Conclusion
Can You Tell if Home Canned Food Has Botulism?
No – while there are certain signs and symptoms that indicate botulism from home canned foods, it’s not possible to tell just by looking at or tasting the food.