WHATCOM COUNTY, Wash. – The Whatcom County Health Department is issuing a warning after a person died from food-borne botulism in Grays Harbor County.
Home-canned food is suspected of being the source.
Botulinum spores can survive high cooking temperatures, grow in low-oxygen environments like vacuum packed foods, and may not cause food to look, taste or smell spoiled.
Home canners are urged to make sure equipment is properly functioning, use only new can lids with intact seals, and inspect each jar for any sign of failure.
And food should be thrown out if there’s any question of its safety.
Find more canning information on the Washington State University website.