Is it safe to?Reviewed: 2025-12-27~1 min

Is it safe to eat canned food with dents that form deep creases along the seams?

Short answer

⚠️Depends / use caution

It depends — deep creases that run along or across the seam are much riskier than small dents on the can’s body. If the double seam still looks tight, there’s no leakage, bulging, rust, or spurting on opening, it may be okay; otherwise, discard.

Why people ask this

People worry specifically when a dent creates a deep crease right on the top or bottom seam, where the can’s “double seam” keeps it airtight. Seam damage can compromise the seal even if the rest of the can looks fine. In general, dents are common in shipping, but seam creases raise different concerns because they can let in microbes without obvious signs. Shoppers also see discounted dented cans and want to know which ones are safe to keep and which to return.

When it might be safe

The dent is shallow and not on or touching the top/bottom seam; the double seam looks uniformly tight and even.
No bulging ends, no leaks, no rust at the seam, and no sticky residue around the seam or lid.
On opening, there is no spurting, foaming, or off-odors, and the lid was still firmly concave before opening.
High-acid foods (e.g., tomatoes, many fruits) with only body dents away from seams generally pose lower botulism risk than low-acid foods.

When it is not safe

A deep crease that runs along or crosses the top or bottom seam (double seam) or the pull-tab score line.
Any sign of leakage, wetness, or dried residue at or under the seam, especially along a creased area.
Bulging ends, loose or springy lid, or a lid that won’t stay concave; obvious hiss with spray/spurt on opening.
Rust, sharp edges, or a tear/puncture focused at the seam or end edge near the crease.
The seam looks distorted: uneven layers, lifted edge, or a gap where the crease meets the curl.

Possible risks

Botulism from Clostridium botulinum if a deep seam crease compromised the double seam (higher concern with low-acid foods like vegetables, meats, soups).
Other bacterial spoilage due to lost vacuum or microleaks along the creased seam.
Metal fatigue or microfractures at the seam causing slow leaks that aren’t immediately visible.
Quality loss (oxidation, off-flavors, texture changes) if air ingress occurred through the damaged seam.

Safer alternatives

Return or exchange the can; stores typically accept dented or seam-creased cans.
Choose an undented can or one with only minor body dents away from seams and pull-tabs.
Opt for the same product in glass jars, retort pouches, or Tetra Pak if available.
If you must buy discounted dented cans, prefer high-acid items and avoid any with seam-area creases.

Bottom line

Deep creases along the seams are a red flag because they can break the airtight double seam. If the crease touches or distorts the seam—or there’s any bulging, leakage, rust, or spurting—don’t eat it. Only consider it if the dent is away from seams and all other safety checks are clean.