Homemade preserves: how to avoid botulism?

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Seasonal vegetables and ready-made meals in jars are the company's specialty, as are its tomato sauces. The jars are sterilized for three hours in this autoclave at a temperature of over 121 degrees, to avoid any risk. At home, without a sterilizing device, individuals must follow certain rules.

" You can pasteurize, so heat below 100 degrees, but you have to do it only with acidic products. So you can do it with all fruits. It works. Tomatoes are very acidic. Eggplants are also very acidic. And if not, use vinegar, lemon, or salt ," explains Nadia Faham, co-founder of the brand "Terre et Fourchette."

Improperly sterilized jars are dangerous. A bacterium, botulinum toxin, can develop in them. This highly potent poison can cause illness even if you ingest a small amount. Symptoms appear within hours of consumption.

" Caricatural blurred vision, it's hard to read the time on your watch, whereas you could do it a few hours before. And then there are swallowing problems, difficulty swallowing saliva, an extremely dry mouth which can then become complicated, of course, if you don't get treatment in time, including damage to other major muscles, especially breathing, " describes Dr. Benjamin Davido, an infectious disease specialist.

Symptoms that can lead to death in 5 to 10% of cases. And for those affected, a long journey in intensive care and then rehabilitation is required. 20% of patients are left with neurological after-effects upon discharge. To avoid being infected with botulinum toxin, here are some simple tips.

" What should raise alarm bells is the shape of the jar, whether it's slightly curved, the lid, or when you open it, whether there's an odor. If you don't hear the famous "pop" when you open it, it's best to avoid consuming it when in doubt, " warns Marianne Chemaly, Scientific Director, Food Safety (ANSES). And for those who make their own jam, the same precautions should be taken. Sterilize the jars thoroughly and add a little lemon. Botulinum toxin doesn't like acidic fruits.