Endospore formation is usually triggered by a lack of nutrients, and usually occurs in gram-positive bacteria. In endospore formation, the bacterium divides within its cell wall, and one side then engulfs the other. Endospores enable bacteria to lie dormant for extended periods, even centuries.

Bacillus anthracis and Other Bacillus Species After the process of sporulation, bacterial endospores remain in a dormant, metabolically inert state that is resistant to heat, UV damage, desiccation and physical disruption [108]. This state may persist for years to decades or even longer.

In endospore formation, the bacterium divides within its cell wall. One side then engulfs the other. Endospores enable bacteria to lie dormant for extended periods, even centuries. When the environment becomes more favorable, the endospore can reactivate itself to the vegetative state.

Foodborne botulism is a serious, potentially fatal disease. However, it is relatively rare. It is an intoxication usually caused by ingestion of potent neurotoxins, the botulinum toxins, formed in contaminated foods. Person to person transmission of botulism does not occur.

However, in most adults, even if the spores are ingested they do not make you ill because your body’s natural defences stop the bacteria from multiplying and producing toxins. Intestinal botulism is most commonly associated with eating raw honey.

Many people recover fully, but it may take months and extended rehabilitation therapy. A different type of antitoxin, known as botulism immune globulin, is used to treat infants.

Although botulism can cause severe and prolonged symptoms, most people recover completely from the illness. Early treatment reduces the risk of permanent disability and death. However, even with treatment botulism can be fatal. Without treatment, more than 50% of people with botulism would die.

Canned foods are also sterile, so eating an expired can of tuna, for instance, won’t necessarily make you sick—it just won’t taste as good. That said, if the can is bulging, leaking, or hisses when opened, it may be contaminated with an extremely rare toxin that causes botulism, a potentially fatal foodborne illness.

Is it safe to use food from dented cans? If a can containing food has a small dent, but is otherwise in good shape, the food should be safe to eat. Discard deeply dented cans. A sharp dent on either the top or side seam can damage the seam and allow bacteria to enter the can.

You should not try storing open metal cans in the refrigerator, because the iron and the tin can seep into the foods and taint the flavour and in some cases cause negative health effects. Keeping open cans in the fridge is especially dangerous if the food is quite acidic, such as fruits and tomatoes.

Always Wash Dry with a clean cloth or paper towel to further reduce the harmful bacteria that may be present on the surface of fresh produce. Can and Jar Lids: Wash lids before opening them so harmful particles don’t fall into food. Be sure to wash all cans before opening, including canned beverages and soup.