Do you use food in dented cans? My mother always told me not to use food from a dented can because there could be a tiny pin hole allowing bacteria in and the food in the can could be contaminated. When grocery shopping, I am careful to choose cans that are not dented but sometimes I end up with a dented can. My mother's warning rings in my ear and I end up throwing away the food. For example -- a can of tuna fish, those cans are very thin aluminium and always seem to be dented, I just threw away what was probably a perfectly good can of tuna! I hate to keep wasting food if this is not true.
So, what is the opinion should you use food from a dented can or throw it away???
that is so funny bc I have heard this also. I had one lady one time in the store not buy dented cat food either, so I guess it is a common thought. I did think that stores did sell dented ones though at a sale price, but maybe I am wrong. i never buy dented just bc i was told not to, I dont know any facts about it LOL
The can is good only as long as it is airtight. However, I think I can judge whether what is inside the can is spoiled. I would open it and decide whether to throw it out. I doubt that I would serve it to my family if I had any question at all. I would also avoid a dented or damaged can while shopping.
My understanding is if the dents Are inward its OK but if the dent is liked bubbled then it means air got inside and you don't want to use those. J.
If its like majorly dented, I would throw it out, but if its not really bad, I eat it any way, and have never gotten sick from it. Make sure the can like hisses when you open it to make sure the air pressure is coming out so you know its sealed. When my son was an infant, sometimes his formula cans would be slighlty dented and he did fine. Just dont ever eat from a can that looks bloated!
My understanding is that if the top/bottom is flat/concave and not popped/bulging, it's okay. Honestly? I'm like you, I throw it out. My mom's warning rings in my ear as well! I still hear my mom telling me to look both ways before crossing the street! The power of a mother's words!
They never come into my house because it is useless, I will not open it or use it, it goes directly in the trash if I find one that has been dropped.
I don't buy the dented cans but like you I always end up with one by the time I get home. Or it happens at home LOL. What I have always understood and has worked good for me is:
1. I don't use any that are dented at around the top or bottom edges
2. I don't use any that are a sharp dent (or crease) in the can
Other than that, I use them.
I don't every use food from dented cans, but if I discover I bought a dented can by accident I just take it back to the store and ask to switch for a non-dented can. Never had problem. Good luck!
I've always subscribed to "when in doubt, throw it out" - but like you, I hate wasting food!
I agree with a previous poster who said to return it. Thanks for asking this, I've always been a little curious myself!
My mother used to avoid the cans with "bumps" that went outward b/c it was a sign of bacteria growing. I would inspect the cans and if there are no punctures you are probably okay.
I am not sure, but I do know that when I worked as the shipping clerk for kmart years ago we were not allowed to sell dented cans (I had also worked as the food and panty manager and was told this when I had that job so a lot of dented cans did get sold)
