Question

What should you do if you find a bulging or damaged can in the pantry?​

Answer 1

Discard the cans.

Step-by-step explanation:

You must discard the cans if you can lay your finger in the dent, that's too deep. It's better to be safe and discard or return the can. Swollen cans often indicate a spoiled product. During spoilage, cans may progress from normal to flipper, to springer, to soft swell, to hard swell. However, spoilage is not the only cause of abnormal cans. Overfilling, buckling, denting, or closing while cool may also be responsible.

It can cause difficulty breathing, muscle paralysis, and even death. The toxin is made most often by Clostridium botulinum bacteria. Improperly canned, preserved, or fermented foods can provide the right conditions for the bacteria to make the toxin.

Answer 2

Bulging and/or leaking cans can be caused by freezing, improper storage, overfilling of the can during processing, denting or contamination by spoilage bacteria. Since the cause of the bulging or leaking can is unknown those cans must be discarded.