Tins question

[Teapot]

I was doing an inventory yesterday (very, very long overdue!) and I realised I have quite a number of dented tins in my store. I read somewhere that you shouldn't eat food from a tin that's been dented - is that right? And does that mean I should get rid of the dented ones?

I also read you shouldn't eat from tins that are rusty. Does that mean badly rusted or does it include there being a very tiny amount starting to appear?

[itsybitsy]

If the rust is only on the outside of the can then it may be okay to eat, but personally I wouldn't risk it.

When it comes to dents in cans, if it's a shallow dent then yes, it should be okay. Cans with deep, sharp dents, or dents that are around the rim of the can or along the seam of the can, then I would throw away, as air could have leaked through and contaminated the food.

And, of course, it goes without saying that you should avoid cans that are swollen, or bulging.

I believe one of our other members, Ogre, removes the labels from his canned food and slathers them in vaseline to prevent rust, if my memory serves me correctly.

[Teapot]

Thanks Itsy, I appreciate it!

Ooh, the Vaseline idea is great!

[itsybitsy]

Thanks Itsy, I appreciate it!

Ooh, the Vaseline idea is great!

Don't forget to write on the cans what they are if you take the labels off. Otherwise it could be 'interesting' when you come to make a meal...

[Teapot]

Haha! Yeah, that's a good point!

[bulldogeagle]

I dont buy dented cans...period, i dont see the point in taking the chance and i dont pay full price for damaged goods, if you want to take a chance on a reduced one then fair enough but personally i wouldn't bother.

[diamond lil]

My son had a best pal in primary school who used to do this. Michael loved going there for tea as they used to have to open about 6 tins to find beans etc, and if the rest were peaches or rice pud then they just ate them as well

[itsybitsy]

I dont buy dented cans...period, i dont see the point in taking the chance and i dont pay full price for damaged goods, if you want to take a chance on a reduced one then fair enough but personally i wouldn't bother.

They may not have been dented before they were purchased. They could have gotten damaged in home storage, it's easily done.

[bulldogeagle]

I dont buy dented cans...period, i dont see the point in taking the chance and i dont pay full price for damaged goods, if you want to take a chance on a reduced one then fair enough but personally i wouldn't bother.

They may not have been dented before they were purchased. They could have gotten damaged in home storage, it's easily done.

yes, i was going to say if i dropped one from my stock-oops butter fingers-and it got dented then i would use it up straight away.

[Teapot]

Thanks guys.

No, I wouldn't buy dented ones either, but I get my shopping delivered and every so often they come a bit dented. How long do you think the food would be ok for after the tin getting dented? (if not used straight away?) I appear to have quite a few. Ugh, frustrating!