What illness is caused by botulism?

Botulism is specifically caused by the ingestion of a toxin called botulin, which is produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. This illness is characterized by symptoms that often begin with gastrointestinal distress, followed by neurological symptoms such as muscle weakness, difficulty swallowing, and paralysis. The link between ingested botulin and food poisoning is well established, as the toxin can be found in improperly preserved or canned foods. Understanding that botulism is a result of a toxin rather than a traditional infectious agent clarifies its categorization as food poisoning rather than a respiratory infection, cancer, or allergic reaction.