What is C. botulinum?

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