B. licheniformis has been approved as being used to treat ornamental plants to protect them from fungal pathogens. It demonstrates antifungal activity by producing an antibiotic that acts against fungi. It may also produce an anti-fungal enzyme. B. licheniformis is effective against many types of fungi, especially those that cause leafspot and blight diseases. Its use is not recommended on plants that may be used for food or feed because it may be associated with food poisoning in humans and reproductive failure in cattle, sheep, and pigs. Sources differ in saying whether or not B. licheniformis is actually toxigenic. It is a common spoilage organism of milk, packaged meats, and some canned goods. Food poisoning by B. licheniformis is characterized by diarrhea. Vomiting also occurs in around half of the cases. The species has also been isolated from a number of human infections. In order for infections to occur, it seems that there must be a preceding case of trauma or immunosupression that allows the bacteria to multiply. However, the possibility of infection by B. licheniformis is low