What would happen if you found yourself rummaging through your kitchen pantry and stumbled upon it? You had seen the same can countless times since moving into your apartment. It was a dented can that had been sitting on the bottom shelf for months, maybe years. You thought it might have been edible, but the dented shape made you question it. At least it wasn’t falling apart, right? The thing is, dented cans are far more common than we realize. In fact, most people experience the same dilemma at some point. So, are dented cans safe to consume? Or are they best tossed in the garbage? While the majority of dented cans are completely harmless, some could pose risks to your health. Understanding which ones are harmful and why is key to making informed decisions.
Why Canned Foods Are Generally Safe
The reason why canned foods remain safe for such long periods of time is because they are essentially vacuum-sealed containers for food. Essentially, the seal prevents the outside environment (airborne germs, etc.) from entering the container once the heat of the cooking process has transformed the contents of the can into a shelf-stable product. Once a can is closed, the seal continues to provide protection against airborne germs until it’s opened. Most likely, the cans you purchase from a store were inspected prior to sale. Therefore, as long as the cans themselves haven’t been damaged (i.e., the seal compromised), the contents of the can should be safe. However, when the cans themselves are damaged (i.e., dented), it creates a situation where the contents of the can could potentially become contaminated by airborne germs. This is regardless of whether you can visually detect the contamination.
What Occurs When a Can Becomes Dented
A dented can occurs when the metal of the can becomes bent. Depending on the extent of the bend, the bend could simply be superficial, or it could compromise the internal liner of the can. It could also weaken the seal of the can. If the seal of the can is compromised, airborne germs could enter the can. As mentioned previously, the amount of damage that has occurred to the can does not necessarily correlate with how apparent the damage appears. For example, a can may have been dropped on the floor, crushed in a grocery bag, or hit on the corner of a countertop. Although the can may appear to be undamaged, it may contain hidden problems. More specifically, dents that occur along the sides of a can are more detrimental than dents occurring on flat surfaces.
Dented Cans: Which Ones Pose a Risk?
While not all dented cans need to be discarded, some dented cans do pose a greater risk to the consumer than others. Specifically:
Dangerous Dented Cans
Dangerous dented cans are those that have deep dents which can be felt with the finger. In addition, if the metal of the can is severely bent or creased, this too is a potential indication of damage to the seal of the can. Dented cans that have been damaged along the seam of the can are particularly problematic. These are the areas of the can where the seal is maintained. Bulging cans should always be discarded, regardless of whether the can has dents or not. Additionally, if the contents of the can leak or spray when the can is opened, discard the contents immediately.
Generally Safe Dented Cans
Generally safe dented cans are those that are shallow and/or minor. Minor dents caused by shipping or stacking of cans are very common. Provided the can still has smooth sides, intact seams, and is not bulged, the contents of the can are probably safe. Ultimately, consumers need to rely on their visual inspection of the can and their sense of touch, rather than the cost or convenience associated with keeping the can.
Indications That a Dented Can Should Be Discarded
Although a dented can may open normally, the contents of the can may tell a different story. A strong or unpleasant odor is a clear indicator that the contents of the can have spoiled. Bubbles forming on the contents of the can when it is opened indicate possible spoilage. Any difference in the appearance or texture of the contents of the can as compared to the expected characteristics of the contents indicates possible spoilage. Rust developing around a dent on the can indicates a weakness of the metal over time. Swelling of the can before opening indicates that the contents of the can have spoiled. As for signs that canned foods are bad, the rule is always to err on the side of caution and discard the can.
What to Do with a Dented Can
Should you discover a dented can before you open it, never attempt to taste the contents to determine whether it is good or bad. Testing for quality via tasting is not a safe method. Many stores will permit returns of dented cans purchased within a reasonable period of time after purchase. Store cans safely to avoid the possibility of dents resulting from falling or crushing. Keep cans off the top of piles of other products. Maintaining an organized pantry and using first-in-first-out stocking methods can reduce the likelihood of forgetting about dented cans. This also contributes to maintaining a safe environment for storing food.
Be Better Safe Than Sorry
As stated earlier, canned foods are a safe and convenient source of food for everyday meals, provided proper care is taken with handling the cans. Not all dented cans are hazardous, and most are merely cosmetic issues. However, a dented can, if sufficiently damaged, represents a risk to your health. If a can appears to be severely dented, swollen, or exhibits signs of spoilage, do not consume its contents. Taking the necessary precautions regarding a dented can can be a simple way to maintain a safe environment for your kitchen. It can also help minimize unnecessary worry and stress.
