Botulism?! I need your help.

[Tomorrow]

My wife and I were both exposed to the potential toxins exploding from this can of Campbells Chicken Noodle Soup. Botulism, if that's what this is, is a VERY dangerous toxin. Has anyone seen something like this before? Can anyone comment on what it might be besides botulism? What else can cause this?

These were purchased last week from Costco and we just discovered it when starting to move it into the kitchen. We live in a quite rural area...no health labs nearby. If it is indeed botulism, airborne exposure is highly possible in our case. Any specific knowledge about this kind of situation is highly appreciated. And soon, please. We're both just a touch nervous right now, as you can imagine. I'd hate to survive Stage IV cancer and a massive heart attack just to be felled by a dumbass can of chicken soup.

Thanks.

 

[Davemcc]

Here's a good link to look at until somebody more knowledgable shows up. It doesn't look like airborne transmission is a cause of infection.

http://www.gov.mb.ca/health/publichealth/cdc/protocol/botulism.pdf

 

[Adam]

RJ, I (like Dave) looked into this a bit. Airborne infection is rare and does not occur naturally, but it can occur. However, something that might make you rest easier tonight is that Clostridium botulinum (the bacteria that cause botulism) cannot grow in air according to this site (which also happens to be from Canada). So, I don't think that the growth on the can is that bacteria. It looks like a fungus to me.

 

[Tomorrow]

Here's a good link to look at until somebody more knowledgable shows up. It doesn't look like airborne transmission is a cause of infection.

http://www.gov.mb.ca/health/publichealth/cdc/protocol/botulism.pdf

Thanks for the link and the support, Dave. I had seen a similar write-up on the (I think) CDC site. It's highly unlikely that we were contaminated, but my wife did handle the can and the case. The airborne infections are possible from what I read, but usually as a result of aerosol action.

I may well be turning into a hypochondriac in my old age, but this happened so fast and is so ugly........ I'll call the health department tomorrow morning and see what they can do. This tiny burg has no hazardous materials handling group.

 

[Tomorrow]

RJ, I (like Dave) looked into this a bit. Airborne infection is rare and does not occur naturally, but it can occur. However, something that might make you rest easier tonight is that Clostridium botulinum (the bacteria that cause botulism) cannot grow in air according to this site (which also happens to be from Canada). So, I don't think that the growth on the can is that bacteria. It looks like a fungus to me.

Thanks, Adam. It has a fungal look, but it grew in less than a week if it is.

 

[Adam]

Perhaps the can was just trying to celebrate the holiday.

 

[mike c]

looks like mould to me

but why don't you get stool samples checked just to be sure? (or bloodwork)

 

[Alex2507]

I don't care how good the deal was, I would see about getting my money back.
You should probably wear a condom when returning that.
I know, I'm an insensitive lout.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lout_(disambiguation)

 

[Rickster71]

Hi RJ hope all is well there.

Was the can puffed up, then blew up; or was the residue from a mishap during the canning process?
Please keep us posted.

Regards,
Rick

 

[Alex2507]

To me the can's contents look fine. All I'm seeing is some mold or maybe algae that took hold on the wrapper. I can definitely see a little hypochondria around the edges of RJ's post though. I hope he forgives me for poking fun.

Edit: If they were my cans I would have been wearing a Hazmat suit and teleconferencing the CDC.

 

[loserwife]

To me the can's contents look fine. All I'm seeing is some mold or maybe algae that took hold on the wrapper.

I agree with Alex.

Put on a pair of gloves and take the wrappers off and rinse them. The soup should be fine.

 

[majorloser]

Tastes Like Chicken

Boy, an jet airliner falls on your head, your heart partially retired and you lived through cancer.

Ain't no little can of chicken soup taking you out!

(Just needs a little hot sauce)

 

[MinusTheBear]

I always thought botulism occured in canned bean products? Canned chili for example. Whatever that is you should notify campbells, the store you purchased it from and dispose of that stuff very carefully (wear mask and gloves). You should also sanatize that entire area with bleach. I might even throw out anything that could have remotely come in contact with whatever that is. No need to take any chances.

I was looking at google images and there is some shots of the lids opening up. It very well could be botulism. If you google campbells and botulism there are cases of it.

 

[majorloser]

I might even throw out anything that could have remotely come in contact with whatever that is. No need to take any chances.

He did say his wife handled the stuff.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

I will give you 2 bucks for it if you pay for shipping. I can't get to my pantry or fridge secondary to the remodel going on at my house and I am very hungry.

 

[Alex2507]

That fuzzy green stuff might be the cure for herpes.
Next time you get a 'cold sore', apply liberally.

 

[highfigh]

The green is mold and if you don't have any symptoms yet, you aren't allergic to it. I would put the case in a plastic bag and return it. That shouldn't have burst and if they're all from the same batch, I wouldn't eat them.

 

[Shock]

looks like mould to me

but why don't you get stool samples checked just to be sure? (or bloodwork)

Yeah just looks like the label got wet and it began to mould.

Edit: Looking at the spots on the upper left hand side of the label it's safe to say it's mould

 

[Audioholics]

"My wife and I were both exposed to the potential toxins exploding from this can of Campbells Chicken Noodle Soup. Botulism, if that's what this is, is a VERY dangerous toxin. Has anyone seen something like this before? Can anyone comment on what it might be besides botulism? What else can cause this?"

Translation (if I may):

"How can my wife and I make some money off this!" lol

 

[Tomorrow]

"My wife and I were both exposed to the potential toxins exploding from this can of Campbells Chicken Noodle Soup. Botulism, if that's what this is, is a VERY dangerous toxin. Has anyone seen something like this before? Can anyone comment on what it might be besides botulism? What else can cause this?"

Translation (if I may):

"How can my wife and I make some money off this!" lol

Have you been taking Andry lessons?