Beware of these signs that food may be UNSAFE to eat.

Foods Stored at Room Temperature

Cans

___ Too crushed to stack on shelves or open with a manual can opener

___ Crushed immediately under the double (end) seam

___ Moderate/severe dents at the juncture of side and double (end) seam

___ Rust pits severe enough to pierce the can

___ Swollen or bulging ends

___ Holes, fractures, or punctures

___ Evidence of leakage

___ Signs of spoilage (spurting; unusual odor or appearance) when opened

___ Baby food or formula past the expiration date

___ Missing label

Glass Jars

___ Home-canned instead of commercially canned

___ Raised, crooked, or loosened lid

___ Damaged tamper-resistant seal

___ Cracks or chips

___ Signs of spoilage (discolored food; cloudy liquid)

___ Dirt under the rim

___ Baby food past the expiration date

Paperboard Cartons

___ Torn or missing inner packaging in cartons that are slit or opened

___ Evidence of insects

___ Baby food past the expiration date

Plastic Containers

___ Damaged tamper-resistant seal

___ Signs of spoilage (mold, off odor)

___ Baby food past the expiration date

Foods Stored in the Refrigerator

___ Lukewarm food (above 40° F refrigerator temperature)

___ Signs of spoilage (unusual odor or appearance, molds)

___ Unsuitable containers (and/or covers) that allow food to be contaminated

___ Uncertain handling "history" (questionable reputation of food source)

___ Damaged tamper-resistant seals if commercially packaged

Foods Stored in the Freezer

___ Evidence of thawing (ice on the food or leaking)

___ Unsuitable packaging that allows food to be contaminated

IF IN DOUBT, THROW IT OUT!

Don't rely on look or smell. Foods that cause food poisoning may look fine and smell acceptable.

Never taste suspicious foods!