Baked potatoes that have been wrapped in foil have been linked to cases of botulism. Clostridium botulinum spores can survive the baking process and the foil wrap seals the potato preventing oxygen from being present.
Can you get food poisoning from baked potatoes?
Because that still-wrapped potato can actually be deadly if left out too long, according to federal and state food-safety experts. The culprit here is botulism, a severe type of food poisoning. It's caused by a toxin produced by a bacterium known as Clostridium botulinum.
What happens if you eat undercooked potatoes?
Though attempting to digest raw starches isn't going to cause you any lasting bodily harm, the raw potato will pass through the digestive tract with very little breakdown, likely leading to an increase in unpleasant cramping, bloating, and gas production.
What disease can you get from eating potatoes?
1952: According to the British Medical Journal, solanine poisoning is most common during times of food shortage. In the face of starvation, there have been accounts of large groups eating older potatoes with a higher concentration of the toxin.
How can you tell if a baked potato has botulism?
Prior to storing left-over baked potatoes, remove the foil and refrigerate. According to the Mayo Clinic's website, symptoms of botulism occur within 12 to 36 hours and include: Difficulty swallowing or speaking. Dry mouth.
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