It rarely happens. But, when it does, it can be deadly. The pathogen Clostridium botulinum causes botulism. This is because a toxin attacks the body’s nerves and causes difficulty breathing, muscle paralysis, and even death. The spores grow and make toxin under the following conditions:
- Low–oxygen or no oxygen (anaerobic) environment
- Low acid, sugar, or salt
- A certain temperature range that support growth of C. botulinum
Improperly home-canned foods can provide these conditions to allow C. botulinum spores to grow. Learn more about this pathogen at www.cdc.gov/botulism/index.html
