LUKE: First I have to buy it, then I have to eat it?
LORELAI: Hey, the basket of botulism does come with my company.
Botulism is a rare and potentially fatal illness caused by a toxin produced by bacteria. The illness begins with fatigue and blurred vision, followed by weakness in the chest and limbs. Vomiting and diarrhoea can also occur. Paralysis can last for 2-8 weeks, and 5-10% of cases end in death. The most common cause is food poisoning. There are an average of 145 cases of botulism in the US each year, often caused by home-canned foods.
I’m not sure Lorelai is entirely joking about the chance of botulism.
The Annotated Gilmore Girls 