ABSTRACT
The “classic” form of botulism is caused by preformed toxin produced by Clostridium botulinum in food. The types of food involved in recorded outbreaks of foodborne botulism are summarized in Table 1. The results presented in this table are a summary of records reviewed by Hauschild (1989). Of the recorded outbreaks, 24.1% are attributed to contaminated fruit and vegetables. Countries such as China, Spain, Italy, the United States and Argentina have recorded relatively frequent outbreaks caused by such products. These countries accounted for 71 % of the recorded outbreaks caused by fruit and vegetables, and in almost all cases the incriminated products were homemade. Recorded Outbreaks of Foodborne Botulism
Type of food
Number of outbreaks recorded
Meats
693(39.3%)
Fish
575 (32.5%)
Fruit and
425 (24.1%)
Fruit and
425 (24.1%)
vegetables
Others a
72 (4.1)
Total
1765 (100%)
including mixed vehicles.
Source: Hauschild, 1989.