Leave leaking, bulging, badly dented, or seriously rusted cans on the shelf and notify store staff. USDA guidance highlights sharp dents at seams because the seal may be damaged. You do not need to open or taste a suspicious can to decide against buying it.
Prefer
- Undamaged packaging and an intact closure
- Storage directions suited to the product
- A retailer replacement for questionable delivery damage
Avoid / check more closely
- Sharp deep dents at seams
- Bulging or leaking cans
- Opening or tasting a suspicious can to test it
Inspect the rim as well as the side
A can’s seams are part of its closure. A sharp dent at the top or side seam can compromise that closure, according to USDA FSIS. Turn the can gently to inspect the full rim and sides without squeezing it. The label can hide part of a dent, so do not judge condition from the front panel alone.
Know the reasons to choose another can
USDA lists leaking, bulging, and badly dented cans among warning signs. Severe rust or a damaged closure also deserves attention. A suspicious container is not a tasting challenge. At the store, choosing an undamaged alternative and alerting staff is a straightforward response, even if the damaged one is discounted.
Do not turn a shopping check into an inspection claim
You can spot obvious damage, but you cannot certify a container’s integrity at home. A shallow side mark away from a seam is different from a sharp seam dent, yet a photograph may not show that distinction clearly. When you are unsure at purchase, there is little reason to take the questionable can instead of a sound alternative.
Check the product instructions too
Read whether the item is shelf-stable before opening and what to do afterward. The metal container itself does not tell you which storage instructions apply. Check the food name, quantity, and date wording before comparing prices. A sound can is one requirement; it does not tell you whether the product suits your recipe or dietary needs.
Keep a damaged delivery easy to document
If a grocery delivery includes a questionable can, photograph the packaging and contact the retailer about a replacement or refund. Keep it separate from food you intend to use while following appropriate disposal or return instructions. Do not open it to provide a taste test or to check whether it smells normal.
A practical discount decision
Imagine a clearance shelf with a deeply creased can and an undamaged can of the same food nearby. The cheaper price does not explain whether the seam is intact. Choose the sound product or skip that item. This reduces the decision to something you can actually observe rather than guessing at an invisible history.
Common questions
Does every small dent mean the food is unsafe?
Not every mark is equivalent. Depth and location matter, and a picture cannot certify the seal. Choose an undamaged can if you are uncertain at the store.
Can a normal smell clear a damaged can?
No. Do not use smell or taste to approve a suspicious container.
References and scope
Sources support the specific factual points attributed to them. Shopping scenarios and checklists are Fresh Decoded editorial suggestions; the sources do not endorse this article. Prepared October 9, 2026 with AI assistance. No product testing or medical review is claimed.