My Food Advocate From the Desk of Richard J. Arsenault

  • Louisiana Foodborne Illness Lawyers / Arkansas Food Poisoning Attorneys, Mississippi, Texas

    Food Poisoning

    The foodborne illness lawyers at Neblett, Beard & Arsenault promote food safety through legal advocacy, information outreach and analysis of food poisoning outbreaks.

  • TX Food Poisoning Outbreak Lawyers / Mississippi E. coli Attorneys, Foodborne Illness, LA, AR

    E.coli

    E. coli O157:H7 causes severe bloody diarrhea and painful abdominal cramps. In about 5% of cases, a complication called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) can occur after the initial symptoms.

  • LA Food Poisoning Lawyers / Texas Salmonella Attorneys, Food Illness Outbreak, Arkansas, MS

    Salmonella

    A 2009 Consumer Reports investigation revealed that 67% of broiler chickens had tested positive for Salmonella and Campylobacter.

Botulism

What is Botulism?

Botulism is a foodborne illness caused by toxins produced by the bacteria Clostridium botulinum. Botulism is a severe type of food poisoning that attacks the nerves and muscles. The incidence of the disease is low, but the infection is deadly without immediate medical attention.

What are the symptoms of Botulism?

Botulism typically begins two hours to 36 hours after ingestion of foods containing the toxins, but can occur as long as eight days after exposure.

Symptoms include:

  • Dry mouth
  • Double vision
  • Droopy eyelids
  • Difficulty speaking and swallowing
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Paralysis

How long does Botulism last?

Botulism can be fatal within three to 10 days without proper medical attention. The length of illness and time of recovery depend on the amount of botulism toxin ingested and how soon medical treatment intervenes. Illness and recovery can last anywhere from a week to months. Fortunately, botulism is uncommon. Only 10 to 30 cases of foodborne botulism are reported annually.

Who is most at risk for Botulism?

Anyone who ingests the Clostridium botulinum toxin is at risk of contracting botulism. The botulism toxin is one of the most potent poisons in the world and only microscopic amounts of the toxin are required to cause fatal intoxication. People who eat homemade, canned foods, vacuum-packed or tightly wrapped foods, salt-cured fish, sausage, canned vegetables and olives are at the highest risk of ingesting the botulism toxin.

What are the complications associated with Botulism?

If a diagnosis of botulism is confirmed, talk with your doctor immediately about what treatment is required. Botulism can cause long term nerve damage and can be fatal in not treated in time.

Advocating for Food Safety

The foodborne illness attorneys at Neblett, Beard & Arsenault promote food safety through legal advocacy, information outreach and analysis of food poisoning outbreaks. For nearly three decades, the food poisoning attorneys at Neblett, Beard & Arsenault have helped people harmed by contaminated foods or beverages, including clients in Texas, Arkansas, Mississippi, Louisiana and across the country.

If you or a loved one has suffered serious complications from a foodborne illness, please contact Neblett, Beard & Arsenault for a free evaluation of your case. Contact our firm by calling 1-800-256-1050 or use our online contact form.