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FDA warns vs buying food in dented, bulging cans


Health authorities on Thursday warned consumers against buying food in dented and bulging cans – especially those sold at discounted prices, which it said could lead to food intoxication.

In FDA Advisory No. 2013-027, FDA acting head Kenneth Hartigan-Go said this may be a sign that bacteria may have entered the can and contaminated the contents.

"It is possible for consumers to detect food spoilage which can lead to food intoxication by closely observing the integrity of the can. Never buy canned goods with dents, especially if found in the seams of the can. Bulging ends may mean that there are leaks in the can or bacteria have colonized inside and produce gases as by-product," he said.

"Moreover, consumers are enjoined to read the labels, including those that are on sale or offered with discounts," he added.

He said dent or damage canned goods can produce pinhole-size openings which may not be obvious to the consumers.

Even a single pinhole-size opening allows bacteria to "enter, grow and spoil the food inside and may produce toxins," he added.

Also, Go said a dirty label is another indicator of possible leak of food contents.

Rust in canned good is another indicator of improper storage and handling of food products which may affect the integrity of sealed products, he said.

"These are all strong indications of food spoilage which can cause food intoxication or food-borne diarrhea," he said.

Go said food intoxication and food spoilage from eating canned foods "are almost entirely due to the action of bacteria that have gained entrance inside or remained viable inside after an improper sterilization process despite the anaernbic condition."

"All consumers are advised to be more vigilant by closely examining the canned food products for signs of food spoilage before buying them," he said. — LBG, GMA News

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