Will botulism kill me?

Rare, but toxin can: Botulism is caused by a bacteria. For most adults, we can fight the bacteria before it causes a problem. But in babies (especially <1yo), the elderly, and people with weak immune systems, it can cause infection. The botulinum toxin can definitely kill an adult. That is why it so important to cook canned foods thoroughly. Be suspicious of unopened cans with bulges as they can be harboring toxin.