Canned coffee recalled over deadly toxin fears
What toxin is feared in the recalled canned coffee?
The toxin feared in the recalled canned coffee is botulinum toxin, which can cause a potentially fatal form of food poisoning called botulism. Symptoms may include general weakness, dizziness, double-vision, trouble speaking or swallowing, difficulty breathing, muscle weakness, abdominal distension, and constipation. The recall was initiated after the FDA warned that the production process could lead to the growth and production of this toxin in low-acid canned foods.
What symptoms are associated with botulism as per the FDA?
The FDA associates the following symptoms with botulism: general weakness, dizziness, double-vision, trouble speaking or swallowing, difficulty breathing, muscle weakness, bloating, and constipation2. These symptoms can manifest anywhere from six hours to two weeks after consuming contaminated food. Seek immediate medical attention if experiencing any of these symptoms.
How long after ingestion can botulism symptoms appear?
Botulism symptoms typically appear within 12 to 36 hours of ingesting contaminated food, but onset times can range from as little as 2 hours to as long as 8 days1. The duration of symptoms depends on toxin dose, toxin elimination, and regeneration of cleaved polypeptide components of the SNARE complex.