What physical indication in a sealed container like a jar suggests active microbial metabolism?
Answer
The container appears bloated or swollen.
The bloating or swelling of a sealed container, such as a plastic package or glass jar, serves as a significant warning sign of bacterial activity within the food product. This physical change occurs because the microbes are actively metabolizing the food components, releasing gases as a byproduct of this metabolic process. This internal gas buildup pressurizes the container, causing it to swell. This particular indicator is especially critical in home-canned goods, as the swelling can be indicative of dangerous growth, such as that caused by *Clostridium botulinum*.
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