Six retirees from the Choletais, hospitalized between July 7 and 14, have symptoms evocative of food botulism after consuming a carrot cake developed from carrots put in a artisanal “, according to the ARS of the Pays de la Loire. Faced with this health emergency, the ARS recalls that botulism is “a serious neurological condition caused by the presence of a bacteria, especially in poorly preserved foods“. The patients were taken care of at the Cholet Hospital Center. This contamination recalls recent episodes in Indre-et-Loire (Pesto) and Bordeaux (Sardines), all linked to craft preserves.
Symptoms and danger: lightning intoxication
The first signs generally appear between 12 and 72 hours after ingestion:
- Visual disturbances (blurred or double vision, drooping eyelids);
- Difficulty swallowing and oral dryness;
- Muscle weakness descending from the neck to the limbs;
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation;
- Risk of respiratory paralysis, which can lead to death without immediate treatment.
“”Botulism (poisoning by clostridium botulinum toxin) is a vital emergency. … Respiratory paralysis = death without treatment. Immediately consult the emergency room in the event of suspicion (antitoxin required)“.
This detailed description alert on gravity: as soon as doubt, it is imperative to contact the SAMU or an anti -poison center.
How to sterilize vegetable jars safely
Sterilization is the key to avoiding the proliferation of the bacteria. Here are the methods recommended by Dr. Kierzek:
- Autoclave: 121 ° C for 3 to 30 minutes depending on the volume;
- Home alternatives: prolonged boil – 100 ° C for 2 hours – insufficient for little acidic vegetables such as carrots.
Before consumption, always check:
- Bombed jar: to throw immediately (sign of bacterial gas);
- Abnormal odor (cheese maker, rancid);
- Presence of bubbles or troubled liquid.
“”To avoid the proliferation of C. botulinum… sterilize in high pressure pressure cooker if possible“.
Good practices: handle a suspicious jar with caution
Never taste a doubtful jar: toxin is fatal even in very small quantities. In case of suspicion, our expert advises:
- Wear gloves and mask to avoid projections;
- Place the jar in a waterproof bag then throw it to waste or incinerate it;
- Disinfect surfaces with diluted bleach (1:10);
- Notify the health authorities if grouped cases are suspected.
“”Do not taste! Toxin is deadly even in tiny quantity“Concludes Dr. Kierzek.