Starbucks Food Safety Practice Exam

Under what conditions should canned foods be rejected?

1. If they contain artificial flavors

2. If there are dents, swelling, or leakage

3. If they are expired

4. If they are not labeled as organic

The correct answer is: If there are dents, swelling, or leakage

Canned foods should be rejected if there are dents, swelling, or leakage because these conditions indicate potential contamination or spoilage. Dents can compromise the integrity of the can, possibly leading to microbial growth inside. Swelling might indicate gas production from bacteria multiplying within the can, which signals spoilage or a risk of botulism, a serious foodborne illness. Leakage suggests that the can is damaged and could have allowed harmful contaminants to enter, making the food unsafe to consume. While other factors like expiration dates and labeling as organic may affect the quality or consumer preference for products, they do not necessarily indicate an immediate health risk as the physical integrity of the can does. Thus, identifying and rejecting cans with physical deformities is crucial for maintaining food safety standards.