Here is a helpful guide to reference when trying to decide whether or not to discard food items. For the full guide, head to the Food Safety link on the Agency Portal.

DISCARD FOOD ITEMS IF:

• The seal is pierced
• There is visual evidence of product contamination
• A glass jar’s lid is dented
• A jar has a raised center that does not spring back after being depressed
• A can has a crease that is folded onto itself
• A can has a dent deeper than a thumbnail or with sharp corners
• A can has a dent so deep it deforms the end of the can causing it to wobble
• A can has rust remaining after wiping
• A can has a crease or dent over the seam
• A can is swollen

YOU CAN KEEP FOOD ITEMS IF:

• The seal is slightly damaged but shows no evidence of tampering
• A can has a flat dent on a seam no more than 1/4 inch (unless the dent is tipped inward)
• It is a pull-top can lid with dents, but only if the contents are dried foods with no leakage
• The band is broken and the pop-up seal is intact
• Produce has some spots