Botulism from Drinking Pruno

According to the article, “Botulism from Drinking Pruno” by Dub Vugia, four inmates from a prison in Riverside California, came down with food borne botulism. After a massive investigation, it was found that the prisoners created a home-made alcoholic beverage called “Pruno.” The prisoners used ingredients such as: unpeeled potatoes, apples, old peach jelly, and ketchup. The combination of these ingredients were mixed in a plastic bag and fermented with different heating stages over several days. The investigation led them to the conclusion that the potatoes used in making pruno were the main contributor to botulism toxin. Clostridium botulism is found in soil and the spores have been found on raw potatoes. From further research, it was found that the spores on the surface of raw potatoes can survive baking and lead to production of C. botulinum toxin. Additionally, the warm fermentation process of making pruno can enhance the production of C. botulinum toxin.

When a person ingests food borne botulism toxin signs will appear within approximately 12-36 hours. The main symptoms of food borne botulism are: double vision, drooping eyelids, difficulty swallowing, dry mouth, distorted voice which causes difficulty in speaking, muscle weakness which may move down the body, typically shoulders first, upper arms, lower arms, thighs, and calves. Additionally, the paralysis can cause breathing problems which can ultimately cause the person to die.

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Vugia, Duc J. "Botulism from Drinking Pruno|CDC EID." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 1 Jan. 2009. Web. 10 May 2010. .

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