Neurologist warns damaged canned food can cause fatal botulism

American neurologist Dr. Baibing Chen listed three foods he avoids for brain health, singling out canned goods in damaged containers as carrying a risk of botulism that can be fatal in rare cases. He said consumers should stay away from cans that are swollen, cracked or deeply dented. Chen explained that such containers can harbor Clostridium botulinum, the bacterium that produces botulinum toxin, one of the most potent toxins known. Even small amounts can disrupt nerve signals between the brain and muscles, leading to flaccid paralysis, blurred vision and respiratory failure, and can be fatal without prompt antitoxin treatment, he said. Because the toxin is tasteless and odorless, contamination cannot be detected by sight or smell, according to the neurologist. He added that adequate heating may not neutralize it, making disposal of the entire damaged can the only safe option.