Neuroscience For Kids

Food Products Recalled Because of Botulism Contamination
August 20, 2007

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning people not to eat certain canned foods or to serve their pets certain dog food because of possible botulism contamination. Chili, chili sauce, beef stew, and beef hash products produced by several companies have been recalled.

Botulism is a serious illness caused by eating food contaminated by botulinum toxin, a potent neurotoxin. Botulinum toxin is produced by a bacterium called the clostridium botulinum that grows in improperly canned food. The toxin prevents the release of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine and can cause visual problems, breathing difficulties, paralysis and death. Even small amounts of the toxin are dangerous and can enter a person's body through a cut in the skin.

For specific product numbers and descriptions, please visit the FDA Web site. To dispose of products that may be contaminated, the FDA recommends:

• Do not open or puncture any unopened cans of the recalled product.
• Food that may be contaminated should be placed in a sealable bag. Another plastic bag should be wrapped around the first bag and then taped. The bags should be placed outside in the trash where people and pets cannot get to it.
• Contaminated food should NOT be put in the sink, garbage disposal, or toilet.
• Wear rubber or latex gloves when disposing of contaminated food and wash your hands when you are finished.
• Use a bleach solution (quarter cup bleach for each 2 cups of water) to clean up spills. Throw away all containers that stored the food and dispose of sponges and cloths used to clean up a spill.

For more information about botulism, see:

1. Botulism Frequency Asked Questions - CDC
2. Botulinum Toxin - eMedicine
3. Botulism - eMedicine

Copyright © 1996-2007, Eric H. Chudler, University of Washington