09A — Canned food severely dented (and not segregated)
A deep dent on a can's seam can break the seal and let bacteria — including the toxin that causes botulism — grow inside, even though the can looks closed. The rule is to segregate damaged cans away from usable food so no one opens one by mistake. It's a General violation (2-5 points by number of cans). Side-wall dents are usually fine; it's the seam dents, bulges, and leaks that matter.
What the inspector looks for
Check the canned goods on your shelves for severe dents — especially a dent right on the top, bottom, or side seam, or a can that's bulging or leaking. Any seam-dented or damaged can must be pulled and set aside with a 'Do Not Use' tag, not left on the shelf with good stock.
Points & grade impact
Cited at 2 points — 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 by number of cans across condition I-IV. NYC adds every cited violation’s points into one inspection score: 0–13 = A, 14–27 = B, 28+ = C.
How to fix it
Segregate severely dented cans with a 'Do Not Use' label pending return or disposal.
How to prevent it
Inspect cans on receipt; reject seam-dented, leaking or rusted cans; rotate stock and store cans to prevent damage.
- ✓Inspect cans at delivery and reject any with seam dents, bulges, rust, or leaks before they're put away.
- ✓Pull a damaged can off the line immediately and tag it 'Do Not Use' until it's returned or thrown out.
- ✓Rotate stock (FIFO) and store cans where they won't get crushed or knocked off shelves.
- ✓When in doubt, throw it out — a swollen or seam-dented can is never worth a botulism risk.
Reference: Health Code §81.07(b)
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