Botulism in Almond Milk (mushrooms, consumers, grocery store, buy)

[ohhwanderlust]

The almond milk I bought from Safeway has a dent in it (plastic jug). I know with canned foods this is a sign of botulism. Does the same apply to refrigerated plastic jugs?

Thanks!

[Dirt Grinder]

Originally Posted by ohhwanderlust

...I know with canned foods this is a sign of botulism...

How on earth is that a sign of botulism? Botulism is an illness caused by the toxin produced by Clostridium botulinum, a bacterium that grows in an anaerobic environment.

[sfcambridge]

No

[sskink]

Originally Posted by ohhwanderlust

The almond milk I bought from Safeway has a dent in it (plastic jug). I know with canned foods this is a sign of botulism. Does the same apply to refrigerated plastic jugs?

Thanks!

A dent is a dent. Usually caused by dropping the thing. Nothing to do with safety (unless there's a puncture).

Now, if the can or jug is bowing outwards... well, then I'd stay away from it.

[apexgds]

Originally Posted by Dirt Grinder

How on earth is that a sign of botulism? Botulism is an illness caused by the toxin produced by Clostridium botulinum, a bacterium that grows in an anaerobic environment.

HowStuffWorks "Is it safe to buy dented food from grocery stores?"

The most common form of foodborne illness from damaged food packaging is botulism. Botulism is considered a rare disease in the modern world since it's very preventable through safe food handling practices. Botulism, caused by the bacteria clostridium botulinum, occurs when a dent or damage to a can creates even a pinhole-size opening. The mixture of air and moisture from the food within the can spurs growth of the bacteria, and the food becomes contaminated. Low-acid foods such as green beans and mushrooms are the most susceptible to botulism growth.

[Dirt Grinder]

Originally Posted by apexgds

HowStuffWorks "Is it safe to buy dented food from grocery stores?"

LOL - I know "how stuff works." However, botulism is an illness - cans don't get sick. A dented can isn't "a sign of botulism."

[apexgds]

Originally Posted by Dirt Grinder

LOL - I know "how stuff works." However, botulism is an illness - cans don't get sick. A dented can isn't "a sign of botulism."

Sorry, I misunderstood what you were arguing. You knew what the other poster meant though, I'm sure.

[daliowa]

Originally Posted by sskink

A dent is a dent. Usually caused by dropping the thing. Nothing to do with safety (unless there's a puncture).

Now, if the can or jug is bowing outwards... well, then I'd stay away from it.

Decades ago there were cases of botulism from canned goods. The cans were bulging or bowing outwards, not dented.

Here's a quote from CDC site. Doesn't say anything about dents.

CDC - Botulism, Consumer Information and Resources - NCZVED
"Do not taste or eat foods from containers that are leaking, have bulges or are swollen, look damaged or cracked, or seem abnormal in appearance. "