Beware of bombage: The hidden threat in your grocery cart
During grocery shopping, we often overlook the appearance of the packaging. Sometimes we mindlessly place products into the cart and later consume them without much consideration. However, we may occasionally encounter an unpleasant issue known as "bombage."
1:04 PM EST, December 15, 2024
Bombage is a packaging defect that involves more than just its aesthetic appearance. Unfortunately, consuming a product in such packaging can lead to serious health consequences. Learn how to recognize it and why you should be cautious.
What is bombage?
Simply put, bombage is a defect in the packaging of a food product. It's identified by a characteristic "bulge" that can be observed on the lid or bottom. Causes can include a leaky package, improper storage conditions, inadequate processing, or errors during production.
If you have trouble identifying it, check for any "bump" or deformation of the packaging. An additional sign of this issue is an unusual odor from the product. Bombage most often affects ready-made meals, canned foods, jarred items, and juices.
Why should you not eat products with bombage?
A product with bombage is not safe for consumption under any circumstances. This is because harmful bacteria and microorganisms are likely developing in the packaging. Consuming a product with this defect can result in severe food poisoning and even botulism. The most common symptoms are vomiting, nausea, stomach pain, and foodborne infections, which can lead to even more serious health issues. Therefore, if you are unsure whether the product has bombage, it's better to discard it or report it to the store.
Additionally, to protect yourself, pay attention to the appearance of the packaging you're putting into the cart and check the expiration date. Moreover, always store products according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
