FS-2024-CAN-DENT food-safety life_threatening ai_generated true

AI tells a user that a slightly dented can of food is safe to eat if the dent is not on the seam or rim

ID: food-safety/canned-food-botulism-dent

Also available as: JSON · Markdown · 中文
80%Fix Rate
87%Confidence
1Evidence
2024-03-05First Seen

Version Compatibility

VersionStatusIntroducedDeprecatedNotes
USDA FSIS Dented Cans Guidance 2023 active — — —
FDA Bad Bug Book 2022 active — — —

Root Cause

While minor dents on the body of a can may be safe, any dent that compromises the can's integrity (e.g., sharp dents, dents on seams, or dents that cause bulging) can allow Clostridium botulinum spores to enter and produce botulinum toxin, which is lethal even in nanogram quantities; the USDA warns that even small dents can create micro-leaks invisible to the naked eye.

generic

中文

虽然罐头主体上的轻微凹痕可能是安全的，但任何损害罐头完整性的凹痕（例如尖锐凹痕、接缝处凹痕或导致鼓胀的凹痕）都可能允许肉毒杆菌孢子进入并产生肉毒毒素，这种毒素即使纳克级剂量也能致命；USDA警告说，即使是小凹痕也可能造成肉眼不可见的微漏。

Official Documentation

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-basics/are-dented-cans-safe

Workarounds

  1. 95% success Discard any can with a deep dent (one you can lay your finger into), a dent on the seam or rim, or any sign of bulging, leaking, or rust. For minor dents on the body (not on seams), you can still use the food if the can is otherwise intact and the food looks and smells normal. When in doubt, throw it out. 
    Discard any can with a deep dent (one you can lay your finger into), a dent on the seam or rim, or any sign of bulging, leaking, or rust. For minor dents on the body (not on seams), you can still use the food if the can is otherwise intact and the food looks and smells normal. When in doubt, throw it out.
  2. 80% success If you choose to use a slightly dented can (no seam damage), boil the food for at least 10 minutes (at altitudes above 1000 ft, increase to 15 minutes) to destroy any potential botulinum toxin, though this does not eliminate spore risk. 
    If you choose to use a slightly dented can (no seam damage), boil the food for at least 10 minutes (at altitudes above 1000 ft, increase to 15 minutes) to destroy any potential botulinum toxin, though this does not eliminate spore risk.

中文步骤

  1. Discard any can with a deep dent (one you can lay your finger into), a dent on the seam or rim, or any sign of bulging, leaking, or rust. For minor dents on the body (not on seams), you can still use the food if the can is otherwise intact and the food looks and smells normal. When in doubt, throw it out.
  2. If you choose to use a slightly dented can (no seam damage), boil the food for at least 10 minutes (at altitudes above 1000 ft, increase to 15 minutes) to destroy any potential botulinum toxin, though this does not eliminate spore risk.

Dead Ends

Common approaches that don't work:

  1. 95% fail

    Botulism spores are microscopic; micro-leaks cannot be detected by visual inspection or touch. The USDA advises discarding cans with deep dents (where you can lay your finger into the dent) or any dent on a seam

  2. 85% fail

    Botulinum toxin is heat-labile and can be destroyed by boiling at 212°F (100°C) for 10 minutes, but spores are heat-resistant and survive boiling; if the can is compromised, spores can germinate after cooking and produce toxin in the food

  3. 90% fail

    If the can has a micro-leak, bacteria and spores can enter the food itself, not just the can surface; transferring does not remove internal contamination