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Is canned food safe to eat after a flood or storm?

Discard metal cans if waters contain chemical waste. Otherwise, examine cans and destroy ones that are swollen, leaking, dented on the seams, or badly dented anywhere. If the can is rusty, wipe off the rust if you can and disinfect the cans by the following methods:

  • Remove and throw away labels (keep track of what is in the cans)
  • Wash cans in hot, soapy water.
  • Rinse cans in chlorine disinfecting solution (2 cup household bleach/dishpan of warm water.
  • Rinse in clear water.
  • Let cans air dry.
  • Relabel cans.
  • Use as soon as possible.

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