Enhancing Home Canning Food Safety by Learning to Identify Spoiled Canned Food

Home canned food that has spoiled usually shows a number of signs that are easy to identify.  The family that home cans their own food should know these signs of spoilage.  They should also inspect each jar of home canned food for these signs before use.  The following are signs of spoilage in home canned food:

A jar lid that is bulging and no longer concave (pushed down in the center).  If you open a jar of home canned food and it doesn't make a "popping noise" then you should not consume the food.

Inspect the outside of canned food jars for any signs of dried or crusted food that may have leaked from the jar during storage.  This is an indication of pressure build up from the bacteria that cause spoilage.

Inspect the inner contents of the canned food.  Look for gas or air bubbles that are rising to the top of the jar.  Look for unusual colors and the growth of mold.

Observe for unusual or foul odors from the canned food when opening.

Do not EVER taste home canned food that you suspect has spoiled.  A very tiny amount of botulism toxin can prove fatal if ingested.

Store your home canned food without rings on the lids.  This makes it easier to spot the presence of bulging lids and gas buildup from spoiled food.

Always wipe the outside of jars with a damp kitchen towel after they have cooled from processing.  This removes any food residue on the jars from processing, so that it is not mistaken as a sign of spoilage later.

Using these techniques enhances home canning food safety and ensures that you are serving your family a quality food product.