In the past week, various milk products formulated using the whey protein concentrate called WPC80 produced by Fonterra have been recalled in several countries, and this has caused panic among many parents who bought milk products from the affected companies for their infants. The ingredient WPC80 had contained a bacteria Clostridium botulinum, which has the potential of causing Botulism.
What is Botulism?
It is a disease that paralyses the muscles, and occurs in 3 common forms.
Infant botulism is the most common form, and what many concerned parents fear may be resulted from the contaminated WPC80. It occurs in babies typically between ages of 2 and 6 months, when Clostridium botulinum bacterial spores grow in the intestinal tract.
Honey is a known source for containing spores of this bacteria. While it would not impact adults, it is for this reason that honey should not be fed to babies under 12 months old.
Foodbourne botulism results from harmful bacteria that thrive and produce toxin in conditions with little oxygen, such as canned food. Do not keep canned food past their expiry dates. Throw out the cans if the container looks damaged, bulging, spurts foam or liquid (especially for dry food items that have little moisture), or the food is discoloured, mouldy or smells bad.
Wound botulism occurs from infected cuts. When the bacteria gets into the cut, infection produces the toxin.
Botulism in any form is potentially fatal and immediate medical help should be sought if one exhibits the symptoms.
Symptoms of Botulism include:
In an infant:
- flat facial expression
- poor feeding (weak sucking)
- weak cry
- decreased movement
- trouble swallowing with excessive drooling
- muscle weakness
- breathing problems
In adults:
- Double vision
- Blurred vision
- Drooping eyelids
- Slurred speech
- Difficulty swallowing
- Dry mouth
- Muscle weakness
- Constipation
The authorities in Singapore have done the right thing by recalling Fonterra-related products, as with other countries, even if the company has assured that the contaminated products did not get to our shores. Regardless whether it’s an act of paranoia, it sure does well to serve as a warning to companies that put their customers’ health and safety at risk. Regardless, this is a lesson learnt that even the most reputable companies can slip up. The best way we can protect ourselves is to keep our immune systems healthy, be vigilant and keep a good watch on our health. We should not take our sanitary environment and strict AVA regulations for granted.
Sources:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/botulism/DS00657
http://kidshealth.org/parent/infections/bacterial_viral/botulism.html
http://www.medicinenet.com/botulism/page4.htm
http://kidshealth.org/parent/infections/bacterial_viral/botulism.html
http://www.medicinenet.com/botulism/page4.htm
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