Dented canned food - is it a myth that you shouldn't eat contents?

Question

i was told that canned food that is dented should be avoided, something to do with the dent causing particles of tin to break off inside...is this true or a false..

Answer 1

It is true...The reason being as you can get Botulism from damaged tins....
The general rule is don't eat food form a dented tin. This is because there is a chance that the seal of the tin might be broken and either bacteria will have entered the tin, or oxygen may get into the tin, allowing bacteria already in the tin to start to multiply. Another reason is that even if the food was properly canned and has remained sterile, oxygen entering the tin will cause the food to spoil. Very very rarely you might find a tin which has 'blown' this could indicate the presence of botulism causing bacteria.

In real life though, a small dent is more than likely OK, though something heavily mangled should be left well alone!

Answer 2

Dented Tin Cans

Answer 3

Rocket Girl there are many cases were I as a chef received dented cans and it's not good to eat from there because there's a BIG CHANCE TO GET BOTULISM IS IT WORTH IT? No I think not and yelling at people like one of the people said on here to get "new cans" isn't going to help what I did professionally to get "new cans" is ask if they were made this way just because the can got "dropped": is that a excuse like is okay if I made your steak the way you wanted and served it to you and told you I "dropped" it would you eat it even though I said my kitchen floor was clean? No I think not so I would have to say in my years of experience I hope this really makes you think is your life worth it

Answer 4

Well, I don't think it's a myth when all of these establishments were written up by the Health Inspection Services for having dented cans in their kitchens..........

Health Inspection Violation Virginia Beach - Dented cans considered a critical violation of the Health Code:

http://www.healthspace.ca/Clients/VDH/VBeach/VBeach_Website.nsf/Food-InspectionDetails?OpenView&RestrictToCategory=882571EF006DCDCB8525709D006C8DB2&Count=1000


Health Ispection Violation - Dented Cans - Ming's Restaurant

http://www.nevadaappeal.com/article/20060329/FOOD/103290063


Health Ispection Violation - Dented Cans - Z'Tejas, Austin's Park 'N Pizza, and RT Burgers & More in Austin, TX

http://www.kxan.com/global/story.asp?s=1561298&ClientType=Printable

Hope this helps.

Answer 5

It could have dangerous bacteria in the can if it was dented and ever-so-slightly broken.
Check the contents for smell.
Better yet,be safe and avoid it.
There's no tin in them today. Mostly stainless steel or aluminum.

Answer 6

Damaging a can, can cause a fracture in the tin plate allowing the contents to attack the steel beneath and eventually causing the resulting rust to perforate the can allowing air in, this would of course allow bacteria to attack the contents. The original idea of canning food was to preserve it, before the days of a freezer, therefore a damaged can was to be avoided as it was to be stored for a long period of time.

Answer 7

It is NOT a myth - do NOT eat from a dented can (even slightly dented), or one that appears to be bulging or has anything that looks like rust on it!
Botulism isn't commonly reported anymore, but it can be life threatening. (It's not like food poisoning - it can actually paralyze the muscles you use to breathe!)
Better to toss a dented can than risk it. The food inside can look and smell normal yet still be contaminated.
By the way, the type of metal used in making the can has nothing to do with the risk.

Answer 8

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Answer 9

no i wouldnt use it,it is true that particles of tin can break off inside,i learned that from saftey serve classes given by the health dept.

Answer 10

dented cans are ok as long as the ends have not blown out,i worked in a shop and lived on dented cans for years