Home-canned low-acid foods,such as beans and corn,may be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum,a bacterium that produces a dangerous toxin. To destroy the toxin,the food should be ________.

Question

Home-canned low-acid foods,such as beans and corn,may be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum,a bacterium that produces a dangerous toxin. To destroy the toxin,the food should be ________.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Boiling for at least 10 minutes is the best way to destroy the Clostridium botulinum toxin in home-canned low-acid foods. This is because the toxin is heat-resistant and can only be destroyed at high temperatures. Freezing, thawing, microwaving or chilling may not completely eliminate the toxin and can actually lead to further growth of Clostridium botulinum.

Home-Canned Low-Acid Foods,such as Beans and Corn,may Be Contaminated with Clostridium