What Happens If You Eat Bad Olives? (Expert Answer)
Short Answer: If you accidentally eat bad olives, you might get food poisoning or botulism, which can cause various symptoms ranging from mild to severe. Olives are small fruits that grow on olive trees and are usually cured or processed before consumption, as they are too bitter to eat fresh. Olives can be cured in brine, oil, vinegar, or salt, and sometimes flavored with herbs, spices, or garlic. If you accidentally eat bad olives, you might get food poisoning, which can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach ache. In rare cases, you might get botulism, which can cause blurred vision, muscle weakness, and paralysis. This is because olives contain oleuropein, a bitter compound that can act as a natural preservative and prevent the growth of harmful microbes. However, if olives are exposed to air, moisture, or heat, oleuropein can degrade and lose its protective properties. This can allow the growth of spoilage bacteria, mold, or yeast, which can produce toxins or cause infections. In particular, Clostridium botulinum can thrive in low-oxygen, high-moisture, and low-acid environments, such as improperly canned or vacuum-packed olives. Clostridium botulinum can produce botulinum toxin, one of the most potent neurotoxins known to humans. Oleuropein can also have anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and cardioprotective effects. It can lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and oxidative stress, and modulate immune system responses. It is quite uncommon to eat bad olives, as most olives are commercially processed and packaged under strict quality and safety standards. However, if you make your own olives at