When you find a swollen can in dry storage, what should you do?

A swollen can is a serious indicator of potential food spoilage and contamination, often due to the growth of bacteria or other microorganisms inside the can. This condition can result from the production of gas as bacteria break down the contents of the can, which can lead to foodborne illness if consumed.

Disposing of the can is the safest action to take. This eliminates the risk of serving contaminated food and protects the health of consumers. It is essential to maintain strict food safety practices, and in cases of any signs of compromise, such as swelling, the safest response is to discard the product to prevent any potential health hazards.

In contrast, keeping the can for further inspection could expose you to unnecessary risk if the contents have become unsafe, while serving it with caution does not mitigate the potential danger associated with consuming potentially contaminated food. Freezing the can could also worsen the situation, as freezing may not kill the bacteria and could alter the contents of the can further.