New York City Food Protection Practice Test

Which of the following is an exception for rejecting canned foods?

1. Severe rust on the can

2. Leakage from the can

3. A slight dent on the body of the can

4. No label on the can

The correct answer is: A slight dent on the body of the can

Canned foods may occasionally show minor dents, especially if they do not compromise the integrity of the can or create an opening for bacteria. This slight dent typically does not indicate an issue that would lead to spoilage or contamination, as long as the can is otherwise in good condition, such as not having a severe dent that compromises the can's seals, and it shows no signs of rust or leakage. In contrast, severe rust on the can, leakage, or missing labels are significant red flags for potential contamination or spoilage. Rust can degrade the metal and possibly create holes, while leakage directly suggests that the contents might be compromised or that bacteria can enter. Additionally, a missing label means there's no indication of what food item is inside, important for food safety and allergy considerations. Therefore, a slight dent alone is not a valid reason for rejecting the canned food if all other aspects are satisfactory.