Is It Just Me, or Is That Can Bulging?

Sometimes we just aren't sure whether a can is starting to bulge.  We found a bulging can of stewed tomatoes a few days ago, and now every can of stewed tomatoes is under suspicion.  Perhaps one can in the case bulged, so there may be more.  "When in doubt, throw it out" works well enough when there is plenty of money and food to go around.  However, in challenging times, like it or not, people start to take risks.

If you think your can has a suspicious bulge, here's how to test it:

1. Clean the lid
2. Put a few drops of water on the lid in the spot to be punctured
3. Puncture the lid through the water
4. If the water is sucked into the can, the food is good
5. If the escaping gas bubbles through the water or the water is forced away from the puncture, the food is bad[1]

If the food is contaminated, it should be carefully discarded so that people and animals do not come into contact with it.   Even microscopic amounts of toxin absorbed through the eyes or skin can cause illness.[2]

Four steps to take to reduce the risks of bulging cans and spoiled food:

1. Rotate your canned goods.  Develop a rotation system that works for your family and your situation.
2. Become aware of what the dates stamped on cans really mean.  Keep in mind that just because an arbitrary date is reached or passed, it does not mean the food has gone bad.  Also, remember that canned meats and dairy last longer than vegetables which last longer than fruits.  
3. If you have foods that you know are at risk of spoiling soon, say some tomatoes or pineapple, dehydrate them.
4. Avoid metal cans altogether when possible.  Tomatoes and pineapple are especially acidic and eat through the lining in cans pretty quickly.  That's why people say they go bad quickly.  However, home-canned tomatoes and pineapple have a much longer shelf life because they are in glass.  

Other measures to take to reduce the risk of rust from the outside in are particularly important in humid areas.

1. Remove labels
2. Dip the ends or the entire can in paraffin or oil.  Paraffin is cleaner and doesn't attract dirt.
3. Do not store canned goods in cardboard boxes. 

Links to related posts:
Botulism
Best-By Dates:  What Those Numbers Really Mean
Tomatoes--Home Canned Tomato Sauce
Canning Pineapple
Dehydrating Pineapple
Storing Canned Goods for the Long Term in Humid Areas 

References:
[1]Larry Bush, et al., “Botulism,” MSD Manual: Consumer Version, https://www.msdmanuals.com/home/infections/bacterial-infections-anaerobic-bacteria/botulism (accessed 1 May 2020).
[2]Ibid. 

 

6 august 2020