Tinned food is a great option for affordability, nutrition and convenience. Tins have an extended shelf life and the nutritional value of the contents is often comparable with fresh and frozen foods too.
Using canned food can also help to tackle food waste. Zero Waste Scotland states that 41% of the food waste from homes in the UK is because it hasn’t been used it in time. Tins have a long shelf life, meaning they don’t go off and so are a good way to cut down on waste.
And because cans can be recycled, it’s a food packaging that doesn’t end up in landfill.
But a doctor has warned about some signs of damage on tinned food which mean that it should not be eaten and should instead be thrown away.
There are three types of damage to cans that indicate an issue with consuming the contents, reports Bristol Live.
On TikTok under the username @dr.karanr, he posted a video titled ‘dented cans’ and told his 5.3 million followers: “Look for dents on the side seam. These are usually covered by the label so make sure you peel it off to inspect it carefully. If you see this, throw the can away because it’s likely compromised.”
He then showed a picture of a can with a side dent covering a large surface area, and added: “But it doesn’t involve the side seam and it doesn’t cause a sharp pointy edge so it’s okay to use.”
Doctor Karan went on to show another common type of dent, this time one that has caused a sharp pointed edge. And he warned that this type of damage suggests the can could have a small hole in it and that means the food inside has been compromised. he said in this situation you should “throw it away”.
Showing another image, he said: “This dent involves the seam of the can, this time at the top. Also unsafe.
“And if there’s a small dent which doesn’t encroach [on] the seam, it’s safe to use. If a dent is actually deep enough so you can actually lay a finger onto it, that sounds safe.
“And if a can looks like it’s been crushed, throw it away. And also bin it if it looks like it’s about to explode.”
He added: “Not every single damaged or dented can needs to be thrown away. But if you find yourself with a dented can and you’re unsure, if in doubt throw it out.”
One follower asked what happened to food inside a dented can to which Dr Karan replied: “Unless it’s a major concern dent then it’s ok, some types of dents can raise the risk of food contamination.”
This is because holes can allow bacteria and oxygen to enter the can, leading to the growth of dangerous microbes.