When you think of contaminated canned food, many diseases can come to mind. As with any food that has been mishandled or stored improperly, there is a risk of contamination with harmful bacteria and viruses. This can lead to a wide range of illnesses, ranging from mild to severe.
The most common type of contamination in canned food is due to the presence of Clostridium botulinum.
This type of bacteria produces a toxin that can cause botulism, which is a rare but potentially fatal illness. Symptoms include muscle weakness, vision problems, difficulty breathing and paralysis. If left untreated, it can lead to death within hours or days.
Another type of contamination in canned foods is due to the presence of Listeria monocytogenes. This bacteria can cause listeriosis, which is an infection that primarily affects pregnant women and their unborn babies.
Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, nausea and diarrhea. It can also cause premature labor and stillbirth.
Salmonella is another type of bacteria that can cause food poisoning when ingested in contaminated canned foods. The symptoms are similar to those caused by Clostridium botulinum and Listeria monocytogenes; they include fever, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. In some cases, Salmonella poisoning can also lead to more severe complications such as dehydration and even death.
Staphylococcus aureus, or staph for short, is another type of bacteria that can be found in canned foods if they have not been properly cooked or stored before consumption. Staph infections typically cause skin rashes or boils but can also lead to more serious illnesses such as sepsis or even toxic shock syndrome.
By being aware of the risks associated with consuming contaminated canned foods and taking the necessary precautions when preparing them for consumption such as washing your hands before handling them and ensuring they are cooked thoroughly before eating them you can reduce your chances of becoming ill from contaminated canned food.
In conclusion, there are many diseases that you can get from consuming contaminated canned food including botulism caused by Clostridium botulinum; listeriosis caused by Listeria monocytogenes; salmonellosis caused by Salmonella; staphylococcal infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus; and other serious illnesses as well. To reduce your risk of becoming ill from contaminated canned food it’s important to handle it carefully when preparing it for consumption and ensure it is cooked thoroughly before eating it.