Are Dented Cans Safe to Eat? Safe vs Unsafe Dents (Pictures)

Yes, some dented cans are safe to eat. A small, smooth dent away from the seams is usually okay if the can is otherwise in good condition. But I would throw out a can with a deep or sharp dent, a dent involving a seam, bulging, leaking, heavy rust, or other serious damage.

The location and shape of the dent matter more than simply whether the can is dented.

I see dented cans fairly often at the grocery store. I also buy some canned products by the case, and occasionally one or two arrive dented. So the question becomes: Which dented cans are probably okay, and which ones should go straight into the trash?

The pictures below make the difference much easier to see.

USDA says a small dent in an otherwise good can should be safe. A deeply dented can should be discarded. They describe a deep dent as one that you can lay your finger into. Deep dents also tend to have sharp points or creases.

Safe vs Unsafe Dented Cans: What to Look For

A shallow, smooth dent in the middle of the side of a can is generally much less concerning than a sharp dent or one involving a seam.

Think about it this way. The dent itself is not necessarily the problem. The concern is whether the damage may have affected the sealed container and allowed contamination to enter.

A small smooth dent well away from the top, bottom, and side seams is generally considered a minor defect.

A deep dent, sharp point, hard crease, puncture, or damaged seam is different. I would not take a chance with those.

Are Dented Cans Safe?

The first thing I think about when I see dented cans at the grocery store, at home, or wherever… “Are dented cans safe?” If a can of food is dented, it might be unsafe to eat the contents. BUT, not all dented food cans are nasty. Keep reading… Here’s how to decide, along with pictures of some unsafe, dented cans.

I’m not sure about you, but I’ve noticed a lot of dented cans at the grocery stores lately. Also, dog food cans – buy them by the case, and there are almost always some dented cans.

Some dented cans of food may be perfectly safe.

Here’s how to tell the difference.

There are several ways to determine whether or not a dented can of food may be safe to eat or, if it should be discarded:

When checking a dented can, first check this:

Push on the Top and Bottom of the Can

The seal has probably been broken if the top or bottom moves or makes a popping sound. Air may have made its way inside. Throw out cans that make that popping sound.

If the can does not make a noise or give under pressure when pressing on the top and bottom, it’s probably safe to eat (the seal is still good). But keep reading for more checks.

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Dents on Top, Bottom, or Seams

A can has two types of seams: side and end seams.

Side seams are located on the sides of the can and are typically covered by the label. End seams are on the top and sometimes the bottom of the can. If there is a dent over any of these seams, it may be unsafe.

Please avoid buying cans with dented seams. The main seams are where the can’s strength is the weakest.

The picture below shows two dented cans. Both are considered potentially unsafe. The can on the left is dented across the vertical seam, a crucial detail that you might overlook unless you peel the label. If the dent were not on the seam (as shown in the next section), it would be considered minor and likely safe. This highlights the importance of being responsible and proactive in checking for seam dents when handling canned goods.

The can on the right has a significant sharp dent on the top seam, which should be considered unsafe.

The following picture is a can with a dent on the bottom. Some cans don’t have a seam on the bottom (like this one). The following is likely safe.

Dent on Sides of Can – Probably Okay

Are dented cans safe? If the can is dented along the side, the contents should be safe for consumption, provided you check for the other issues listed here. However, if a dent has sharp or pointed edges, it should be considered unsafe.

Here’s a picture of dented cans. The one on the left only has a minor defect and is likely safe. Although large, the dent does not have sharp edges or creases and does not involve the top, bottom, or side seams.

The can on the right has a significant dent. Two dents. And they come together to form a point. The crease there is potentially unsafe.

Bulging and Bloated Can’t Be Safe!

It is unsafe if it’s bulging and bloated (as opposed to an ordinary dent). Cans will bulge and bloat when bacteria produce gases, causing the can to expand outward.

A commenter said, “I’ve worked in a Supermarket for 24 years and have seen my share of bloated cans that were still in the cases! They don’t have to be dented to be bloated!”

Is Rust Visible Anywhere on the Can?

Rust will weaken the integrity of the can and may allow air and bacteria to enter, especially if the rust cannot simply be brushed off.

Does The Can ‘Spray’ Out When You Open It? Not Safe!

When you open a standard can (either with a pull tab or a can opener), you will hear the subtle sound of air entering the can as the slight vacuum seal is released.

However, the contents should NEVER spray outward when the can’s seal is first punctured with a can opener or by pulling the tab. This would indicate the can is under pressure (rather than a vacuum), and bacteria inside the can will cause it to bloat under pressure.

Unusual Odor After Opening?

Use your nose! Does it smell abnormal after opening? Please don’t eat it. Throw it out.

Dented Cans on SALE at the Grocery Store

Seeing dented cans on grocery store shelves is a somewhat common sight. Most of these are safe, having been dropped or mishandled. They are often put on sale at the discount shelf. By learning how to differentiate between a secure and unsafe dented can of food, you can make significant savings on your grocery bill. Sometimes, these (dented) cans are on sale for a fraction of the price!

WHEN IN DOUBT, THROW IT OUT

Having said all that, when in doubt, throw it out.

 
(Information and pictures were gathered from my sightings, grocery store owners, USDA inspectors, and the Department of Public Health.)

 [ Read: Use-by and Sell-by Dates ]

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