A doctor has issued a warning to anyone who eats from a dented tin, as it could lead to a potentially fatal condition. She explained how bacteria can grow in the can
A medic has sounded a chilling health alert over the dangers of eating food from a dented tin. It’s not uncommon to spot tins on supermarket shelves that have been damaged in transit or accidentally dropped and returned to the shelf.
However, Dr Ashley Ennedy, an expert in environmental medicine, strongly advises against buying these. “Dented cans might look harmless, but they can make you seriously sick,” she warned in a TikTok video.
Dr Ennedy went on to reveal the shocking possibility of becoming “paralysed” simply by eating the contents of a compromised tin. “When a can is dented – especially near the seams – it can break the airtight seal allowing clostridium botulinum to grow,” she cautioned.
This bacteria can produce toxins that target the nervous system, reports the Mirror.
“When this bacteria grows, it can produce something called botulinum toxin,” Dr Ennedy elaborated. “Even a tiny amount of this toxin can cause botulism, which is a rare but potentially fatal type of food poisoning that affects your nerves.”
What are the symptoms of botulism?
The doctor then outlined the symptoms this toxin could potentially trigger, which include:
- Drooping eyelids
- Double or blurred vision
- A dry mouth
- Slurred speech
- Difficulty swallowing
- Difficulty breathing
- Weakness or paralysis of arms and legs
- Nausea and vomiting
“The scary part is you really can’t see it… you can’t smell it and you can’t taste it,” Dr Ennedy stated. “So your food is going to look and taste completely normal and you will have no idea.”
She concluded her video with a stark warning: “So if the can is bulging or dented or leaking at the lid or seams, just toss it – it is really not worth the risk.”
One concerned TikTok user responded: “Crazy how those cans are always the ones donated [to food banks].” Dr Ennedy agreed, saying: “So true. Most donation centres do check for dents or bulging cans before giving them out, but it’s always good to double-check what you donate.”
Another person expressed their frustration, saying: “It makes me so mad how many dented cans are on the shelves. I report it every time.” Dr Ennedy commended this, stating: “You’re totally right to report dented cans!! Thanks for looking out for others!”
A third TikTok user queried the doctor: “Do restaurants have regulations about this? I can control at home, but wonder when I eat out.”
Dr Ennedy reassured: “Yes! Thankfully restaurants are not allowed to use swollen, bulging, or severely dented cans. They’re considered unsafe because of botulism risk, and health inspectors check for this. So if a can looks damaged, they have to toss it.”
The NHS concurs with Dr Ennedy’s advice regarding botulism, noting online: “As a result of high standards of food hygiene in the UK, the chances of getting food-borne botulism from food bought in this country are low. There’s a slightly higher risk if you produce your own food, particularly if this involves canning. But following food hygiene procedures and canning recommendations will reduce any risk.”
The NHS emphasises: “Do not eat food from bulging or damaged cans, and avoid eating foul-smelling preserved foods, foods stored at the incorrect temperature and out-of-date foods.”
#Doctors #urgent #warning #explains #eat #dented #tin
