Shoppers are being warned never to eat from damaged tins (Image: Getty)
People are only just realising why you should never eat food from a damaged tin or can – because you could end up with a life-threatening illness.
On a post about the wonders of creme fraiche, one poster recommended that people buy food which has dented cans or damaged packaging in order to save money.
But others disagreed with the idea, because of the risk of a little known health issue which damaged tins and cans can result in.
@same_grounss said: “I’ve never had it happen to me, but theoretically can’t a dent in a can cause the internal lining to break, making the metal rust and causing undesirable things to get into the food and drink?”
The original poster replied: “Quite the imagination you have there”, in a response which was heavily downvoted, until another set them straight and told them about the dangers of botulism.
Indeed, the says about botulism: “Do not eat food from bulging or damaged cans, and avoid eating foul-smelling preserved foods, foods stored at the incorrect temperature and out-of-date foods.
“As a result of high standards of food hygiene in the UK, the chances of getting food-borne botulism from food bought in this country are low.
“There’s a slightly higher risk if you produce your own food, particularly if this involves canning.
“But following food hygiene procedures and canning recommendations will reduce any risk.”
It went on to clarify that there are three types of botulism, including food-based, adding: “Food-borne botulism – when someone eats food containing the toxins because it has not been properly canned, preserved or cooked.
“Botulism is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. Go to your nearest A&E department or immediately dial 999 if you or someone you know has symptoms of botulism.”
Depending on the exact type of botulism, some people initially have symptoms such as feeling sick, being sick (vomiting), stomach cramps, diarrhoea or constipation.
Symptoms can include:
- drooping eyelids
- blurred or double vision
- facial muscle weakness
- difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
- slurred speech
- breathing difficulties
- affected babies may also have a weak cry, find it difficult to feed, and have a floppy head, neck and limbs.
Although botulism is rare, the NS says it can be life-threatening – and it could all start with a damaged tin.