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What is the best way to prevent botulism in food handling?

Avoid using food from dented canned
Avoid using moldy vegetables
Avoid expired canned food
Avoid unwashed raw vegetables

User Initialxy
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2 Answers

4 votes

Final answer:

To prevent botulism, use proper canning procedures, boil home-canned foods for 10 minutes before eating, and practice good hygiene such as handwashing and rinsing produce. Always cook food to a safe internal temperature.

Step-by-step explanation:

The best way to prevent botulism in food handling includes several important steps. First, always use proper sterilization and canning procedures when preserving food at home. It's crucial that low-acid foods like meats and vegetables reach a minimum temperature of 116 °C (240 °F), which requires a pressure canner to achieve, as it is well above the boiling point of water. In addition to proper canning, boiling home-canned foods for about 10 minutes before consumption can denature any botulinum toxin they might contain.

Moreover, regular handwashing is essential before and after handling food to prevent the spread of foodborne diseases. You should also rotate food in your pantry and avoid consuming expired goods. Rinse fresh produce before consumption, even if you do not plan to eat the outer skin, and cook food to a minimum internal temperature of 74 degrees C (165 degrees F) to ensure any bacteria present are killed.

User Buhake Sindi
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5.4k points
2 votes

Answer:

The correct answer is- Avoid using food from dented canned

Step-by-step explanation:

Botulism is a disease caused by a toxin released by anaerobic bacteria Clostridium botulinum. Dented cans are one of the biggest culprits that cause this disease in the human population. Dented cans provide a suitable environment for the growth of Clostridium bacteria.

When a can get damaged or dented it get exposed to the outer environment from where Clostridium botulinum contamination can occur. In closed can, these bacteria get anaerobic conditions to grow and synthesize toxins.

Consuming this toxin causes foodborne intoxication called botulism which can be fatal for the patient. Therefore dented can should be avoided to buy and consume.

User Berry Tsakala
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5.7k points