Botulism
As a result ofhigh standards of food hygiene in the UK, the chances of getting food-borne botulism from food bought in this country are tiny.
There's a slightly higher risk if you produce your own food, particularly if this involves canning. However, following food hygiene procedures and canning recommendations will reduce any risk.
You should also avoideating food from visibly bulging or damaged cans, foul-smelling preserved foods, foods stored at the incorrect temperature and out of date foods.
Heroin users shouldavoid injecting heroin intotheir muscles. Injecting heroininto a vein or smoking it can reduce the risk of botulism, although not using heroin at all is by farthe best course of action. However, you should avoid giving honey tobabiesless than 12 months oldbecause it has been known to containClostridium botulinumspores.
Read about botulism, a rare but serious condition caused by toxins produced by Clostridium botulinum bacteria. Find out about the symptoms, causes and treatments.
The time it takes to develop symptoms can vary from a few hours to several days after exposureto the Clostridium botulinum bacteria or their toxins. Depending on the exact type of the condition (see
Botulism is a very serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. Go to your nearest accident and emergency (A&E) department or dial 999 for an ambulancestraight awayif you or some
Clostridium botulinum bacteria are found in soil, dust, and river or sea sediments. The bacteria themselves aren't harmful, but they can produce highly poisonous toxins when deprived of oxygen such as
Botulism needs to be treated in hospital. Thewayit's treated depends onwhichtype of botulism you have, but treatment will usually involve: neutralising the toxins with injections of special antitox
As a result ofhigh standards of food hygiene in the UK, the chances of getting food-borne botulism from food bought in this country are tiny. There's a slightly higher risk if you produce your own fo