Final answer:
The swelling of a food-containing can suggests gas production by microbes such as Clostridium botulinum, molds, or yeasts, which can contaminate food, leading to spoilage.
Step-by-step explanation:
The swelling of a food-containing can is frequently due to the production of gases by spoilage microbes. When foods are spoiled by microbial action, bacteria such as Clostridium botulinum, which is known for producing the toxin responsible for botulism, can thrive, especially in an anaerobic environment like a sealed can.
These bacteria can produce gas as a by-product of their metabolism, leading to the swelling of the can. Molds and yeasts are also capable of growing in high osmotic pressures and may contaminate foods that are high in sugars, salts, or are dried.
Therefore, a contaminated soup container showing signs of spoilage could be due to microorganisms such as bacteria, molds, or yeasts.