Is there really an increased risk of botulism from dented canned goods?
You should never ever ever eat food from a can that is bulging as it definitely will be inhabited by a gas producing bacteria (which botulism is). Dented cans, though, are more at risk of other things. You will find that cans have a coating on the inside, and this is there to prevent the food inside the can reacting with the tin of the can itself. Denting the cans may reduce the structural integrity of the can and spoil your food. Botulism is not the main risk, but it is still present. I would personally avoid dented cans if possible, and steer well clear of bloated or leaking cans.
