A doctor has issued a warning to anyone buying cans of food (Image: d3sign via Getty Images)
A doctor has issued a warning about the three tell-tale signs of damage to canned foods that should prompt consumers to bin them.
Canned food is a household staple in the UK, gracing lists weekly with items like tinned meats, fish, soups and veggies.
The longevity of canned goods surpasses that of fresh produce, offering convenience through their pre-cooked nature and minimal preparation.
Opting for canned items also aids in slashing waste, as their extended shelf life allows for cooking on demand.
But despite their benefits, not all canned products are fit for consumption, warns Doctor Karan Raj.
Canned food is a popular choice for many UK households (Image: Getty)
Posting to video under the username @dr. karanr, he outlined three defects that could spell danger, reports
“Look for dents on the side seam,” he said. “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 shared an image of a can with a substantial side dent, clarifying: “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 then showed a dent resulting in a sharp edge, indicating the presence of a small hole, explaining that if such a defect is spotted, the can should be discarded.
Showing another image, he warned: “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 further advised: “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.”
This is crucial as punctures may permit bacteria and oxygen to infiltrate the can, potentially leading to the spread of harmful microbes.