New York City Food Protection Practice Test

Under what condition should canned products be rejected?

1. If they have a slight dent

2. If they are labeled as “Home Canned”

3. If there is swelling, severe rust, leakage, or no label

4. If they are packaged using modified atmosphere

The correct answer is: If there is swelling, severe rust, leakage, or no label

Canned products should be rejected if there is swelling, severe rust, leakage, or no label because these conditions indicate potential contamination or spoilage. Swelling in a can is often a sign of gas build-up from bacteria producing toxins, which can pose serious health risks if consumed. Severe rust can compromise the integrity of the can, leading to leaks and contamination of the food inside. Leakage suggests that the product has been compromised and may allow harmful microorganisms to enter. Furthermore, cans without labels lack essential information about contents, expiration dates, and safety instructions, making it impossible to assess their safety for consumption. Other conditions such as slight dents do not necessarily mean a can is unsafe, as many dents do not affect the inner contents if the can's integrity is intact. Cans labeled as "Home Canned" are often not subject to the same safety standards as commercially processed foods, and while extra caution may be warranted, this labeling alone does not automatically signal a reason for rejection. Canned products packaged using modified atmosphere packaging techniques can still be safe if done properly, and this should be evaluated based on the specific product and standards in place.