ICD-10 Code A05.1 – Botulism Food Poisoning (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code A05.1 – Botulism food poisoning
What it is
A05.1 identifies botulism food poisoning, a serious illness caused by ingestion of botulinum toxin in contaminated food. It affects the nervous system and can become life-threatening.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Typical findings include blurred vision, drooping eyelids, difficulty speaking or swallowing, and progressive weakness that may descend from the head and neck.
When to use this code
Use A05.1 when the record documents foodborne botulism or botulism from contaminated food, not a nonspecific gastrointestinal infection. You should code it when the provider states botulinum toxin exposure through food.
If the note only says “food poisoning” without botulism, check documentation. Confirm the diagnosis is supported by provider assessment, not just suspected exposure or a rule-out statement.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for wound botulism, infant botulism, or unspecified botulism. It also should not be used for ordinary foodborne illness without documented botulinum toxin involvement.
Coding tip
Code the documented botulism type exactly; if the source is unclear, check documentation before assigning A05.1.