A brain health expert has warned that damaged tinned food could contain one of the deadliest toxins known, with no visible, taste or smell clues to indicate danger.
Neurologist’s three foods to avoid
Dr Baibing Chen, a double-board certified neurologist known as Dr Bing on social media, shared in a TikTok and Instagram video three foods he personally avoids. One of them – damaged tinned food – surprised many followers due to the severe risk of botulism.
Dr Bing holds a medical degree from Shanghai Jiao Tong University, completed a residency at the University of Mississippi, and fellowships at Emory University and the University of Mississippi.
Why damaged tins are dangerous
Dr Bing said: “If a can is bulging, cracked or severely dented, that's a red flag for botulinum contamination.” The bacterium Clostridium botulinum produces botulinum toxin, which he described as “one of the most potent toxins that we know”. He explained that a small amount can block acetylcholine release at the neuromuscular junction, meaning the brain cannot tell the muscles to move.
The toxin is tasteless and odourless, so contaminated food appears normal. Symptoms include flaccid paralysis, blurred vision, respiratory failure and death if antitoxin is not given promptly. Dr Bing warned that cooking may not destroy the toxin.
Botulism and UK food standards
Botulism is rare but potentially fatal. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) says foodborne botulism occurs when someone consumes food containing the toxin, often due to improper canning or preservation. The bacterium thrives in low-oxygen environments, such as improperly sealed cans. A bulging can indicates gas from bacterial activity.
The FSA states the risk from UK supermarket food is low due to strict production controls, but advises consumers to avoid any can that is bulging, heavily rusted or deeply dented, regardless of where it was bought. If in doubt about preservation, packaging, use-by date or storage, dispose of the food safely.
Other foods Dr Bing avoids
Dr Bing also avoids reef fish such as groupers and barracuda, which can carry a neurotoxin causing tingling, dizziness, recurring nightmares and chronic neuropathies. He also avoids undercooked pork from unregulated sources, which can harbour a tapeworm that is a leading cause of acquired epilepsy worldwide.
