Protecting families from contaminated food and water
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Protecting families from contaminated food and water
Posted in Botulism,Our Blog,Outbreaks & Recalls on May 14, 2026
A recent announcement involving a case of botulism in Troup, Texas area has local health authorities worried. It may give some residents cause for concern due to previous reports involving infants.
HIPAA regulations protecting patient information limit the amount of details made available to the public. However, the City of Troup announced the information received by the Northeast Texas Public Health District to warn residents about this “rare but severe, potentially fatal illness.” Likely in hopes to bring awareness to potential exposure risks to prevent additional cases in the city.
Here’s what we know so far about botulism in Troup, Texas
The City of Troup recently published an announcement on their social media accounts about a case of botulism in the area.
The following information was provided by the Northeast Texas Public Health District and forwarded along from the City of Troup to their residents:
“There is a case of botulism in the Troup area. The cause in this situation is still under investigation.”
According to the announcement botulism is caused by certain environmental factors like dust, soil, and contaminated food products. The Health District stresses that botulism infections are not transmitted from person to person.
Someone infected with botulism is NOT contagious.
Botulism is caused by the bacteria, Clostridium botulinum. It is a neurotoxigenic species. Meaning, the bacteria produce toxins that impact the brain.
Early diagnosis of botulism poisoning is quite difficult. In many cases, symptoms often resemble dehydration. It isn’t until more serious symptoms present themselves that clinical diagnosis and appropriate laboratory testing take place that diagnoses are made.
Unfortunately, that is when things become more serious and life-threatening.
Symptoms of botulism poisoning begin with mild to serious paralysis. It starts with the head and then moves down to the arms and legs causing weakness or paralysis. Respiratory problems occur when paralysis reaches the diaphragm and intercostal muscle. Patients with these symptoms often need mechanical intubation.
Other symptoms may include:
Prompt treatment results in a more favorable outcome.
Preventing botulism is the best way to avoid becoming sick with botulism in Troup, Texas.
So, how does someone get botulism?
Most of the time, people get botulism by eating food contaminated with the harmful germ. Oftentimes, botulism outbreaks involve a group of people eating a common contaminated food item.
Common sources of botulism exposure include:
So, what can you do?
Damaged cans can leave microscopic openings for Clostridium botulinum bacteria to enter. Potentially leading to the growth of the dangerous germ and production of deadly toxins. Bulging cans are a sign of bacterial growth within the container. Never consume a food in bulging cans.
Home-canning is growing in popularity. Preserving foods is not only empowering. But it is also a delicious way to feed your family. Just be sure to do it safety.
Properly sanitize jars and follow canning recipes. Always pressure can foods that require it. Not all foods can be safely canned with water bath canning methods.
Infused oils are a great way to add flavor to any dish. However, oils can trap harmful germs leaving them without oxygen. Which is fine for many of them. But Clostridium botulinum can grow in the absence of oxygen. Making these homemade flavor boosters risk for botulism poisoning. Refrigerating them can reduce bacterial growth.
You may have seen this on labels. Even warned by your pediatrician. Take heed to the warning. While honey does contain certain antibacterial properties, it is not sterile. Most bacteria cannot grow in honey, likely because the low moisture content and it smothers germs. But Clostridium botulinum is immune to those deterrents. A normal, healthy immune system can handle those germs. But the developing microbiome of an infant cannot. Children under a year old are at risk for Clostridium botulinum bacterial growth in their digestive system. Instead of handling the toxin if it occurs in food, the body can literally incubate the germ until it produces toxins from inside. This can cause deadly consequences. Wait until your child passes their first birthday before introducing honey or honey products to them. For their own safety!
Anytime someone gets sick with a somewhat rare illness it gathers headlines. However, botulism poisoning has been in headlines for many reasons lately. Namely, for infant botulism related to baby formula.
Last year at least 48 illnesses, including 28 confirmed and 20 probable cases of infant botulism were connected to ByHeart Whole Nutrition infant formula. All 48 were hospitalized. Fortunately, no babies died.
It was a tragedy.
But that wasn’t the first time the people of Troup, Texas experienced a botulism poisoning scare.
In 2019, four cases of botulism poisoning shook the region. Two cases of botulism were reported in Troup. One was reported in nearby Mineola. Another possible botulism poisoning case was found in Tyler, Texas.
Between those two situations in the news, families are notably concerned. The bulk of the comments on the City of Troup post were people tagging others to let them know about the situation.
For now, there is no information to point to a potential exposure source, so residents are urged to remain vigilant. In the meantime, there are a few things you can do.
If you or a loved one begin experiencing symptoms of botulism poisoning, seek medical attention right away. Prompt treatment provides the best possible outcomes.
If you become sick, as soon as you are well enough to do so, make a list of the foods you have recently eating in the weeks prior to becoming sick. You may be asked for this information to help narrow down the source of the exposure. Documenting this as soon as possible helps ensure a more accurate list.
An experienced Botulism Poisoning Lawyer can help answer your questions and point you in the direction of resources. They can gather evidence and information on your behalf and represent you as needed.
If you have fallen sick with botulism poisoning, you may be eligible for compensation.
The Lange Law Firm, PLLC has helped many families with cases just like yours help hold accountable those responsible for foodborne illnesses. When a company becomes negligent, people become sick.
Call (833) 330-3663 or submit your information on the online submission form for a free consultation.
By: Heather Van Tassell (contributing writer, non-lawyer)