Professor at IPB University: Don’t Underestimate Damaged Food Packaging!
Canned food is known to be practical and has a long shelf life, but its safety is highly dependent on the condition of the packaging. Cans that are dented, rusted, or swollen have the potential to leak and become contaminated with microbes that are harmful to health.
Prof Eko Hari Purnomo, Professor at the Faculty of Engineering and Technology, IPB University, emphasized that canned food with damaged packaging is unfit for consumption. Consuming it can even pose serious health risks.
“Canned food is a preserved food product that is placed in an airtight can, then undergoes a heating or sterilization process, thereby killing the microbes that cause spoilage,” he said in an IPB Pedia broadcast on IPB TV’s YouTube channel.
According to him, there are two main factors that determine the safety of canned food, namely the proper heating process and good packaging integrity. Therefore, consumers need to ensure that the cans are intact before buying and consuming them.
Furthermore, Prof Eko explained several physical signs that can be used as early indications of damage to canned food, one of which is bulging packaging.
“The easiest sign is a swollen can. This indicates that there is a chance that microbes are growing inside the can and producing gas,” he explained.
However, he reminded that not all microbial growth always causes cans to swell. “But if we see a swollen can, I think we should avoid consuming it,” he said.
In addition to swelling, other damage such as dents and rust also need to be watched out for. Prof Eko believes that these conditions have the potential to cause leaks.
“If the packaging is damaged, dented or rusted, then there is a potential for the can to eventually leak,” he said. If a leak occurs, the product’s sterility is lost and microbes can enter and grow, causing the food to spoil.
Physically, damage to the contents of the can can be identified by a slimy texture, an unpleasant odor, or a change in color. “If you find conditions like that, it’s best not to consume it,” he emphasized.
Further signs are usually visible in the contents of the can, such as slimy food, unpleasant odors, or discoloration. If these conditions are found, he advises that the product should not be consumed.
As a practical measure, Prof Eko also urges the public to always check the distribution permit from the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM)
According to him, the presence of the Domestic Food (MD) number for domestic products and the Imported Food (ML) number for imported products indicates that the product has undergone a food safety verification process.
“In other words, the product has met food safety regulations,” he explained. He also encourages the public to be smart consumers by not ignoring the condition of the packaging before buying and consuming canned food. (Fj/dr) (IAAS/EPK)
