How do know if canned food is toxic?

Answer by  TonyB (341)

One sign of bad purchased canned food is when the can has expanded. When bacteria inside the can are respirating and causing the can to enlarge. Follow the same advice for home canned products as well. Certain items are naturally safe from pathogenic bacteria due to their inherent conditions, i.e. pickles are to low in pH for bacteria to survive.

Answer by  mjl10 (282)

Canned food that has not been canned properly runs the risk of passing on botulism to an unwary consumer. The most telltale sign of toxic canned food is the can. The ends of the can should be flat. If they bulge out at all, throw the can away.

Answer by  elynne (1153)

The simplist is to observe the can before opening it. If it is bulging it is not safe. Or upon opening, if their is any foul odd don't use it

Answer by  TheDude (28)

Canned food has an expiration date. It's generally stamped on the bottomof the can. Also, if the can is dented or somehow altered in shape, it might be bad.

Answer by  kitten (93)

If a can is bulged or leaking there is a good chance that the contents are spoiled. If the contents smell or look funny after it is opened, it is possibly spoiled also.