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takyon [soylentnews.org] writes:

Several people in California have been affected by a botulism outbreak originating at a gas station [bbc.com]. Botulinum bacteria [wikipedia.org] are anaerobic and can contaminate improperly canned foods, such as a gas station's nacho cheese:

An outbreak of severe food poisoning in Sacramento, California, that left nine people in hospital has been linked to cheese sauce sold on nacho crisps at a family-run petrol station.

[...] Cases of botulism, a rare and sometimes fatal form of food poisoning, were first reported on 5 May and in total nine people are confirmed to have it. One of the victims is reportedly so ill she cannot speak or keep her eyes open.

[...] Botulism poisoning is caused by toxins released by a type of bacteria called Clostridium botulinum. Human digestive processes cannot break down the toxic chemical, which moves to the nervous system. Symptoms emerge in adults 18-36 hours after eating contaminated food.

Also at CBS [cbsnews.com] and The Sacramento Bee [sacbee.com].

Original Submission