ANSWERS: 2
  • You can, as long as the dent is not rusted or hasn't broken the vacuum seal on the can. Either of these 2 conditions could let in contaminants and/or allow bacteria already present in the can in minute amounts to multiply to dangerous levels. That said, if you have any doubts or if the food inside the can shows any signs of being less than perfect (smells funny, froths, texture looks wrong, etc.), you should dispose of it rather than eat it.
  • You should NEVER eat from a dented can. I work at a food bank and we throw all cans dented and rusted away. It doesn't matter if the can does not leak when dented. It relieves pressure in the can and allows bacteria to grow inside the can. It is called botulism, a severe sometimes deadly illness from improper canning or denting.

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