Can botulism be prevented?

Can botulism be prevented?

Yes, you can take steps to help prevent the most common types of botulism.

Foodborne botulism:

• Refrigerate foods within 2 hours after cooking. Proper refrigeration prevents the bacteria from producing spores.
• Cook food thoroughly.
• Avoid food containers that appear damaged or bulging. (These can be signs of gas produced by the bacteria.)

Infant botulism: Do not give honey to babies under 1 year old.

Wound botulism:

• Do not abuse injectable drugs.
• Seek medical treatment for a wound with signs of infection including redness, tenderness, swelling or pus
• Clean wounds contaminated by dirt and soil thoroughly.