Low-Acid and Acidified Low-Acid Foods In Hermetically Sealed Containers - Visual Inspection Protocol

7.0 Swollen or Leaking Containers

Lots with swollen containers may be in violation of Section B.27.003 of the Food and Drug Regulations.

7.1 Laboratory Analysis

The samples submitted to the laboratory will be tested using microbiological methods according to the Health Canada Compendium of Analytical Methods.

7.2 Lot Evaluation

7.2.1 Underprocessing

If the reason for the swollen or leaking containers is due to Underprocessing, the lot is unacceptable for sale and must be destroyed.:

The Office of Food Safety and Recall, CFIA, must be notified immediately for direction relating to product in distribution.

7.2.2 Post Process Contamination

If the reason for the swollen or leaking containers is due to the presence of a Container Integrity Defect, the lot cannot be sold.

The legal agent may:

  1. remove the imported lot from Canada with the approval of the government agency having jurisdiction;
  2. destroy the lot under the supervision of the government agency having jurisdiction;
  3. request permission to cull the lot. See Section 6.0, Lot Culling.
7.2.3 Overfills

If the reason for the swollen or leaking containers is due to an overfill:

All overfills are to be investigated to determine whether the overfill has compromised the safety of the product, or whether a process deviation has occurred.

Some products may appear slightly swollen due to design or gas packing. If this is verified by the inspector, these containers are not considered to be swollen as per the Metal Can Defects Manual.

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