Housekeeping · 식품 보관 안전

Damaged food cans: six checks for swelling, leaks and disposal

Do not eat canned food from bulging, leaking or severely damaged containers. Botulinum toxin cannot reliably be detected by smell or taste.

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U.S. CDC

Original source: Botulism Prevention | CDC (February 26, 2026)

Link card to the original U.S. CDC guidance

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An intact seal matters for canned foods. CDC advises against eating commercial or home-canned foods showing contamination signs and says to discard food when safety is in doubt.

Your try-it-at-home checklist

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1. Inspect the can body, ends and seams before purchase and before opening.
2. Reject containers that bulge, leak, are rusted through or have badly damaged seams.
3. Do not assume deeply dented cans or dents along a seam are safe; ask the maker or food-safety authority and discard if uncertain.
4. Do not consume contents that spurt or foam on opening or show unusual discoloration or mold.
5. Never taste suspect food to judge safety. Botulinum toxin may not be detectable by smell or taste.
6. Isolate suspect food and follow local disposal guidance. If someone who ate it develops double vision, trouble swallowing or weakness, seek emergency medical help.

Original source: Botulism Prevention | CDC (February 26, 2026)

Your try-it-at-home checklist

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