It is common to find a dented can in the supermarket or in the pantry. It is important to know when food in a dented can is safe to eat and when it is a can that should be thrown away.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) states that if the can has a small dent, but otherwise in good condition, food should be safe to eat.
Cans that should be discarded are those that are deeply dented. A deep dent is considered one where you can put your finger and also those that usually have sharp points.
Cans with a deep dent in the top seam or side seam should also be discarded. A deep dent in the seam can allow bacteria to enter the can.
In addition to badly dented cans, bulging, rusting or leaking cans with broken seals should be discarded.
Other times canned food is unsafe to eat
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Disease Control (CDC) advises throwing away food cans that leak liquid or foam when opened or that contain discolored, moldy, or foul-smelling food. If the product inside a can does not look or smell normal, it should be discarded. Do not taste food.
Cans that are accidentally frozen may be unsafe to eat. Utah State University explains that freezing changes the texture of foods and leads to oxidation, cracked cans, and broken seals that can let in harmful bacteria.
The USDA notes that it does not foods are safe to eat frozen cans that have thawed at 40 °F or higher and cans that have been thawed and refrozen.
Frozen cans that have not thawed and are not swollen can be safely thawed and used.
How to properly store canned food
Canned foods should be stored in a cool, dark and dry place away from ovens, pipes and places where temperatures change.
Cans should be stored off the floor . Moisture can absorb cans and promote oxidation.
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