What visual sign on a can indicates gas production and demands immediate non-opening disposal?
Answer
A bulging, rounded, or swollen lid.
Canned goods require a critical pre-opening inspection due to the potential risk of deadly toxins, notably those associated with botulism spores thriving in anaerobic conditions. If the internal pressure within the can has increased significantly due to gas production by spoilage organisms, this pressure manifests externally on the lid. Specifically, a lid that appears bulging, rounded, or visibly swollen is a direct warning sign of significant internal microbial activity. In such cases, the directive is absolute: do not open the can under any circumstances, as the internal contents are compromised, and disturbing the seal could be hazardous.
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