In a retrospective study the authors analyzed 76 cases of botulism reported in 1961-1989 in the Czech Republic. The analysis of descriptive data pertained to the annual incidence of botulism with a maximum of cases in 1966, 1973 and 1984 (11, 7 and 6 cases); geographical distribution with a maximum incidence in the South and Central Bohemian region (100,000 population); age distribution with a predominance in subjects above 15 years. The dominating vehicle of botulism was in 61% of the notified cases a home-prepared food; usually a galantine, aspic, liver paste, pork with vegetables, and smoked pork. In 1966 and 1973 a processed food predominated as vehicle: pickled herring and tomato, red peppers and sausage. The results of the retrospective study were compared in the discussion with the problem of botulism in other countries. The authors discuss the danger of undetected botulism and the necessity of an anti-botulin serum (Bossea).