There are a few warning signs that canned food should be discarded immediately:

Bubbling or fizzing on opening

A sour, alcoholic, or otherwise “off” smell

Spurting liquid when the lid is lifted

A swollen or bulging can

Mold or unusual discoloration

Even if the smell seems only slightly odd, it’s best not to taste “just to check.” Some foodborne toxins have no strong odor or flavor but can still cause serious illness.

The safest response to unexpected bubbling is simple: don’t use the product. Dispose of the entire contents, preferably sealed in a bag so pets or wildlife can’t get into it, and wash your hands afterward. It’s also wise to clean any surfaces the food touched.

While food waste is frustrating, the risk of food poisoning isn’t worth the gamble. Canned goods are meant to be convenient and dependable, so when one behaves in a way that seems alive or active, treat that as a clear signal to let it go.

In the kitchen, a quiet can is a good can. If it starts talking back in bubbles, it’s time for it to leave.