One influencer has certainly shocked the internet, after claiming that everyone should steer clear of eating food from any dented can or tin – and doctors agree
If a dented tin has ever put you off dinner – you may be on to something.
It’s no secret that countless kitchen staples are packaged in cans – whether it’s baked beans, tuna, or even spam. But one influencer has now shocked the internet, after claiming that everyone should steer clear of containers that look a little bent.
In a video earlier this week, creator Ashlea Nichole showcased four tomato soup cans that had clearly taken a bashing on the way to her house. Opening them up, she unveiled why they’ll be going straight in the bin, and shared this with her thousands of followers.
“If you’ve ever wondered why they say ‘don’t use dented cans’, this is why,” she posted to TikTok (@ashlea_nichole). “Opened it up and you can see the discolouration inside…looks like a split in the can there and the lining on the inside [is] peeling off and [into] the soup… it’s not good.”
Her post was soon met with thousands of comments, with many users confused about the impact this can have – aside from providing some extra, unwanted seasoning. One person wrote: “We literally had a bent-n-dent store to buy dented cans of food for cheaper,” as another chimed in: “I was always told it was safe if they were dented inward.”
But is this actually true? Dr Lawrence Cunningham, a medical expert at UK Care Guide, says that while these claims aren’t unfounded, there’s a lot of unnecessary scaremongering online. He told The Mirror: “Dented tins can potentially compromise the seal and introduce bacteria into the food, leading to foodborne illnesses.
“However, not all dents are a cause for alarm. A small dent on the side of a tin that doesn’t affect the seal or cause the tin to bulge usually doesn’t pose a health risk.”
Dr Cunningham explains that consumers should be more wary of larger dents which affect the structure of a can. Micro-fractures caused by this occasionally allow bacteria to enter along the seams which could give you botulism, if consumed.
Generally, this rare but serious illness occurs when the bacteria produces a toxin that attacks the nervous system. Drooping eyelids, breathing difficulties and blurred vision are among the common symptoms of this, due to weakened muscles across the body.
Most people can recover from botulism without treatment, but it’s fatal in around five to 10% of cases, according to the NHS. Dr Cunningham stressed: “Botulism [is] a serious illness that can cause paralysis and is potentially fatal if not treated promptly. Having dealt with cases of food poisoning in the past, the risk is real, albeit it is rare.”
In light of this information, consumers should take extra care when dealing with tinned food of any kind, Dr Cunningham adds, claiming that any can with a significant dent is just not worth the risk.
“First, inspect the can before purchasing. Avoid cans that are dented, especially deep or sharp dents, swollen, or leaking,” he said. “At home, check for any signs of spoilage, such as off smells or spurted liquid upon opening, which are tell-tale signs of bacterial presence.
“While it might seem wasteful, the safety of the food cannot be guaranteed if the can’s integrity is questionable. For minor dents, if the can still appears sealed and the food inside shows no signs of spoilage upon opening, it is generally safe to consume.
“However, always use your judgment and err on the side of caution. If in doubt, it’s best to avoid the risk and discard the can. Remember, food safety should always come first to prevent any health risks.”
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