Most people use tinned food at least once a week. The products are easy to store, last a long time and usually cost less than fresh items. Even so, a medical expert is asking shoppers to avoid eating food from a can in certain situations. Now, a doctor has shared a serious warning about the risks linked to opening a dented tin. These damaged cans often show up in shops after being dropped or knocked during transport, then placed back on the shelf. An environmental medicine specialist strongly advises leaving them behind. In a video, Dr Ashley Ennedy, who specialises in environmental medicine explained that dents may look harmless but can lead to severe illness. She added that a person could even become paralysed after eating food from a damaged can. When a can is dented near the seams, the seal can weaken and allow clostridium botulinum to grow inside. This bacterium creates toxins that affect the nervous system.Size Of Dent On The Tin Can MattersThe size and position of the dent play the biggest role, according to Toby Amidor, M.S., RD, a dietitian, food safety specialist and cookbook writer. She explained that dents often come from cans being dropped or struck. If the damage lies along the seam, bacteria can enter and place someone at risk. In that case, it is safer to throw the can away.If the dent is tiny and the rest of the can looks sound, the contents are usually fine to eat. A small bend in a safe spot on a tuna tin, for example, can be inspected and used if everything inside appears normal.Larger dents are another matter. A deep dent is one you can press a finger into, Amidor said. Cans with deep dents or dents on the seam should always be discarded.What Is Botulism?Botulism is a rare yet dangerous illness caused by a toxin released by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. The toxin attacks the nerves and may lead to muscle weakness, paralysis, and trouble breathing. The infection can appear in several forms, including foodborne, infant, and wound botulism. Treatment usually involves an antitoxin that helps stop the toxin from causing more harm.Symptoms of BotulismThe CDC notes that all types of botulism can be fatal and require immediate medical care. Symptoms linked to the toxin may include:Drooping eyelidsDouble or blurred visionA dry mouthSlurred speechDifficulty swallowingTrouble breathingWeakness or paralysis of the arms and legsNausea and vomitingWhy Botulism Is Found in Canned Foods?Clostridium botulinum produces the toxin responsible for botulism as part of its anaerobic growth process. This means it multiplies in places where oxygen is absent, such as the inside of a sealed can.In the past, home-canning mistakes were a major cause of illness. People sometimes skipped steps or did not heat the jars enough to destroy spores. Once sealed, the bacteria could grow and release the toxin.Better commercial canning methods and stronger food safety rules have made canned food outbreaks uncommon today. Even so, people are still encouraged to avoid dented tins as a precaution.
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