Beware of the dent in the can

DEEPIKA NATH
Correspondent | Wednesday January 20, 2010 00:00

If so, then your life may be in danger.  This is because canned goods are not immune to spore-forming thermal resistant micro-organisms that can cause botulism - a paralytic illness that can lead to respiratory failure in extreme cases. The toxin spreads very quickly through the body and can cause life-threatening complications if treatment is not administered immediately.

Food items with low pH (acid) levels, like fruit, vegetables, meat and dairy products, are canned in airtight containers to preserve them and prevent proliferation of bacteria. Cans have a thin membrane lining on the inside to keep air and bacteria out. However once dented, there is no guarantee that the membrane is still intact. If the membrane is broken, rust and bacteria will build up. Some bacteria, such as the ones  that caused botulism may be life threatening. Consuming food from a dented can or a broken container may lead to health problems that can cause death.

A random survey in Gaborone by Mmegi shows that stores are selling food in damaged cans to consumers. Small-scale grocery shops are the biggest offenders. 'I do not recall any day when consumer protection unit people visited my store,' said a manager at one of the stores.

The store has canned products that expired two months. The Mmegi survey shows that stores often sell damaged or expired food items at discounted prices, thus setting a trap for unsuspecting consumers. They do this knowing fully well what the penalties are for selling damaged or expired food items, but gain courage from the knowledge that the consumer protection people will never come.

However a certain Ntwaagae from the Consumer Protection Unit said they are doing a lot to bring offenders to book and to teach the public about the dangers of buying expired food.

'Unfortunately our people appear not to pay attention to the many advertisements we publish, warning them against buying damaged food items.  This allows store owners to continue exploiting them,' he said.

'If an offender is repeatedly found guilty of selling damaged goods injurious to consumers' health, the unit can bring health inspection charges of up to P2,000 and/or 12 months imprisonment,' he explained.

Ntwaagae said that on average, they register about 10,000 complaints annually about food products that are unfit for human consumption.

He said that consumers should check all cans before purchase and reject those that are badly damaged, dented, or have any discoloration on the label. He asserted that a badly stained label can be due to internal leakages. He advised customers to report any severe cases to the store manager, and contact local authorities if the problem persists.

The Consumer Protection Unit addresses complaints from consumers. It investigates through medical testing, spot checks and analysis of food samples.