What causes botulism?

What causes botulism?

Certain bacteria, including clostridium botulinum and clostridium butyricum, produce botulinum toxins. The spores of these bacteria are commonly found in soil but only rarely make people sick.

Specific conditions can cause bacterial spores to germinate and grow. These mature bacteria then secrete the toxin. When the toxin is released, it quickly spreads into the bloodstream and attaches to nerves. Botulism develops when those nerves no longer work. Conditions that allow spores to germinate include:

• Lack of oxygen
• Low acidity, sugar or salt
• Cooking temperatures that are too low (even boiling may not destroy the spores)
• Storage temperatures that are too warm