Busy moms rely on canned goods to save time in the kitchen. But a health expert warns, a potentially fatal germ could thrive in canned or preserved food.

The bacteria Clostridium botulinum, causes an illness called botulism, which may cause death if untreated.

“Ito po [botulism] is very common among canned goods,” Dr. Rey Salinel, an infectious disease expert, said.

Early symptoms of botulism food poisoning are difficulty in swallowing, speaking and breathing; double vision and worse, paralysis.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are relatively few cases of the disease but if it is not immediately treated, it can be fatal in 5 to 10% of cases.

Meanwhile, a sponge used to wash contaminated utensils could transfer the poisonous bacteria to other kitchen items through cross-contamination.

To prevent the spread of food borne botulism, Dr. Marian De Leon, a microbiologist, recommends using antibacterial dishwashing liquid soap.

“Malaking bagay ang paggamit ng antibacterial soap o dishwashing liquid kasi nakakatulong talaga s’ya sa pagbaba ng pagdami ng mikrobyo. Kasabay din no’n ang paggamit ng tama sa ating sponges at the same time ‘yung proper storage,” De Leon said.