What is the high-stakes danger associated with *Clostridium botulinum* in home-canned goods?
Answer
It produces a deadly toxin.
Home-canned goods require specialized and critical inspection because they carry the risk of contamination by *Clostridium botulinum*. This specific bacterium is dangerous because it produces a deadly toxin that can cause severe illness or death if ingested. The most common physical checks for botulism risk involve looking for signs of gas production, such as lid bulging or leaking seals, or checking if the seal feels extremely rigid or pressurized. If any sign of spoilage is noted in canned goods, tasting the food must be strictly avoided due to this severe toxic risk.
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