Botulism is lethal disease also known as botulinus intoxication is a rare but serious paralytic illness caused by botulinum toxin, which is produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum under anaerobic conditions. The toxin enters the body in one of four ways: by colonization of the digestive tract by the bacterium in children or adults, by ingestion of toxin from foods or by contamination of a wound by the bacterium and leads to paralysis that typically starts with the muscles of the face and then spreads towards the limbs. In severe forms, it leads to paralysis of the breathing muscles and causes respiratory failure. In view of this life-threatening complication, all suspected cases of botulism are treated as medical emergencies and public health officials are usually involved to prevent further cases from the same source. In the present review knowledge of botulism, its epidemiology, mechanism of disease, its signs and symptoms, types, clinical features, diagnosis, treatment and vaccination has been focused.This ailment occurs worldwide, afflicts human of all age groups from infants to elderly people. Botulism is a rare yet potentially common form of food poisoning that can be fatal.