What action should be taken if a can is swollen or bulging?

What action should be taken if a can is swollen or bulging?

• A. Discard the contents
• B. Use the contents if within date
• C. Boil contents for 5 minutes
• D. Open and smell before deciding

Answer: (A)

Swollen or bulging cans indicate possible bacterial growth and toxin formation, such as botulism, so the safest action is to discard the contents. Heating or cooking won’t destroy the toxin, and opening, smelling, or tasting the contents can still cause illness. In practice, remove the can from service, dispose of it properly, and sanitize any surfaces it touched to prevent cross-contamination.

Swollen or bulging cans indicate possible bacterial growth and toxin formation, such as botulism, so the safest action is to discard the contents. Heating or cooking won’t destroy the toxin, and opening, smelling, or tasting the contents can still cause illness. In practice, remove the can from service, dispose of it properly, and sanitize any surfaces it touched to prevent cross-contamination.