--- title: What is Botulism? date: 2026-07-05T09:53:00-07:00 author: Bill Marler canonical_url: "https://marlerclark.com/news_events/what-is-botulism-2" section: News --- [All News](/news_events) / [Firm News](https://marlerclark.com/news_events/firm-news) / # What is Botulism? ***Botulism*** Botulism is rare, but there is nothing else quite like it. The toxin produced by *Clostridium botulinum* is among the most potent poisons known, and it attacks the nervous system, causing a descending paralysis that can stop a person’s breathing. [Marler Clark, The Food Safety Law Firm](https://marlerclark.com/), is the nation’s leading firm representing victims of [botulism](https://about-botulism.com/) outbreaks. Our [botulism lawyers](https://marlerclark.com/food-litigation/botulism-outbreak-litigation) have represented thousands of victims in the only U.S. law practice devoted exclusively to foodborne illness, which has recovered more than $850 million for victims and families nationwide. We have handled [botulism](https://about-botulism.com/) cases arising from carrot juice, pesto, cheese, chili, and improperly home-canned foods. Infant botulism works differently from the foodborne kind: rather than swallowing pre-formed toxin, a baby ingests spores that colonize the immature gut and produce the toxin there. Today we represent infants sickened in recent powdered infant formula botulism outbreaks, and we are working with Congress to pass legislation aimed at preventing the next one. If you or a family member developed [botulism](https://www.botulismblog.com/botulism-information-1/bad-bug-book---foodborne-pathogenic-microorganisms-and-natural-toxins---second-edition---clostridium/) after eating contaminated food, contact the Marler Clark [botulism](https://about-botulism.com/) attorneys for a free case evaluation. **FAQ** **What is botulism?** Botulism is a rare but life-threatening illness caused by a nerve toxin from the bacterium *Clostridium botulinum*, one of the most potent poisons known. It causes a descending paralysis that can stop breathing. Infant botulism differs from the foodborne form: a baby swallows spores that grow in the immature gut and produce the toxin there. **What foods cause botulism?** Improperly home-canned foods are the classic source, but outbreaks have also come from commercial products such as carrot juice, pesto, cheese sauce, and chili. Infant botulism has been linked to spores in honey and, more recently, in powdered infant formula. **What is infant botulism?** In infant botulism, a baby ingests *C. botulinum* spores that colonize the immature intestine and produce toxin internally. Early signs include constipation, a weak cry, poor feeding, and loss of muscle tone—the “floppy baby” presentation. **Is powdered infant formula being investigated?** Yes. We currently represent infants sickened in recent powdered infant formula botulism outbreaks, and we are working with Congress on legislation to require testing that could prevent the next one. **What should I do if my baby has these symptoms?** Seek emergency medical care immediately; infant botulism is treatable, and early treatment improves outcomes. Preserve any formula, containers, and lot numbers. **Additional Resources:** - • [About Botulism](https://about-botulism.com/) — a complete online resource on botulism and its causes - • [Botulism Blog](https://www.botulismblog.com/) — current news on botulism outbreaks and research ### Other Botulism Lawsuits [Infant Formula and Botulism Again - Three Sick](https://marlerclark.com/the-ten-largest-foodborne-illness-outbreaks-in-the-u-s-since-1993-and-marler-clarks-role-in-them) [By Heart Infant Formula tied to Botulism Outbreak spikes to 51](https://marlerclark.com/by-heart-infant-formula-tied-to-botulism-outbreak) [Botulism Outbreak at Valley Oak Food and Fuel](https://marlerclark.com/botulism-outbreak-at-valley-oak-food-and-fuel) [Marler Clark Files Two Botulism Lawsuits](https://marlerclark.com/marler-clark-files-two-botulism-lawsuits) ### Lawsuit updates about foodborne illnesses [Reactive Arthritis Lawsuit Updates](/news_events/case-news?illness=reactive-arthritis&year=all) [E. 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The team at Marler Clark is here to answer all your questions. Find out if you’re eligible for a lawsuit, what questions to ask your doctor, and more. [ Get a free consultation ](https://marlerclark.com/contact) ##### Related Resources ###### [What is Botulism?](https://marlerclark.com/foodborne-illnesses/botulism/what-is-botulism) Botulism is a life-threatening paralytic illness caused by neurotoxins produced by an anaerobic, gram-positive, spore-forming bacterium—Clostridium botulinum. Botulism is a rare disease and only affects a few hundred persons each... ###### [Epidemiology and Microbiology of Botulism](https://marlerclark.com/foodborne-illnesses/botulism/epidemiology-and-microbiology-of-botulism) C. botulinum bacteria and spores are widely distributed in nature because they are indigenous to soils and waters. They occur in both cultivated and forest soils, bottom sediment of streams... ###### [Symptoms of Botulism](https://marlerclark.com/foodborne-illnesses/botulism/symptoms-of-botulism) After their ingestion, botulinum neurotoxins are absorbed primarily in the duodenum and jejunum, pass into the bloodstream, and travel to synapses in the nervous system. There, the neurotoxins cause flaccid... ###### [Detection and Treatment of Botulism](https://marlerclark.com/foodborne-illnesses/botulism/detection-and-treatment-of-botulism) Although botulism can be diagnosed based on clinical symptoms, distinguishing it from other diseases is often difficult, especially in the absence of other known persons affected by the condition. Common... ###### [Botulism Outcomes and Long-Term and Permanent Injury](https://marlerclark.com/foodborne-illnesses/botulism/botulism-outcomes-and-long-term-and-permanent-injury) In the past 50 years, mortality from botulism has fallen dramatically (from about 50% to 8%) because of advances in supportive care, which is the mainstay of treatment. The respiratory... ##### Outbreak Database #### Looking for a comprehensive list of outbreaks? The team at Marler Clark is here to answer all your questions. Find out if you’re eligible for a lawsuit, what questions to ask your doctor, and more. [ View Outbreak Database ](https://outbreakdatabase.com)