Do you purchase a bulging can at the grocery store because it is on sale, or do you report it to the store manager? Bacteria, just like us, go through a digestive process and can produce gas. Any signs of bulging could indicate that bacteria may be present and active, and should be reported to management and removed from the shelf immediately.

Although most pathogens grow in the presence of oxygen, some, as mentioned earlier, can thrive without it. These anaerobic pathogens (pathogens that do not require oxygen to grow) are mostly a concern with canned foods and food preservation methods done incorrectly. One anaerobic bacteria of primary concern in food safety includes Clostridium botulinum, which can cause botulism and death. So make sure you inspect incoming cans while working and before purchasing....better safe than sorry!