Pressurized can of LME

[pskahan]

Looking for some advice - a can of LME I opened yesterday had built up so much pressure that both ends of the can had buckled outward. I had to use a punch-type can opener to get the syrup out. When I punched the first hole, a lot of gas pressure released. Some of the liquid at the top of the can was a lighter color than the bulk. I went ahead with processing the batch, but I don't know if I should just abort the whole thing if this pressurization means the stuff had gone bad in some way. Has anyone here experienced this? What would cause this to happen, and what does it mean? Thanks.

 

[DrummerBoySeth]

I have never had that problem, but I would be very nervous about using that malt. If the can was swollen, and the malt had changed colors, then I seriously doubt it will make good beer.

 

[amandabab]

I'd never use a bulged can.

I would definitely abort that batch and really clean and sterilize everything that came into contact with it.

RDWHAHB has its limits.

 

[hwilshusen]

I was under the impression that bulging cans were a sign of possible botulism. I guess boiling would kill it but the taste would be compromised. I don't know for sure.

 

[LimerickBrewCo]

I would not mess with a bulging can of anything. I would supposed the boiling could kill off the bacteria but why take that kind of chance?

 

[MalFet]

If it is botulism, boiling might kill the critters but it won't rid you of the toxins that have already accumulated. Sorry dude. Dump it. Never consume a swelled can of anything.

 

[unionrdr]

Def pitch it. One of the seams must've been comprimised somehow. Botulism is nothing to be triffled with.

 

[Qhrumphf]

Toxins already there aside, I was under the impression that even boiling wasn't guaranteed to kill botulism.

DEFINITELY dump, and I would go so far as to replace any equipment it touched. Not something I'd want to mess with, and I'd say better safe than sorry.



Edit: According to Wikipedia, boiling will remove the botulism toxin, but it will NOT kill the bacteria spores, which will just reproduce the toxin. Dump it.

 

[jordanmills]

If it is botulism, boiling might kill the critters but it won't rid you of the toxins that have already accumulated. Sorry dude. Dump it. Never consume a swelled can of anything.

Yep. Bulging cans: not even once.

 

[unionrdr]

I wonder if soaking the equipment in a strong starsan solution would kill it all?

 

[amandabab]

I wonder if soaking the equipment in a strong starsan solution would kill it all?

No.
at this point were into sterilizing not sanitizing.
Bleach, quat, all the nasty must-rinse stuff we avoid using in brewing because we need to take it out of the mix and off all of the equipment.

 

[shataway]

Been there and dumped it. Never got sick but should have never tasted it.

 

[Qhrumphf]

I'm not sure if starsan could kill it all. And I wouldn't risk it. If the OP has an autoclave/pressure cooker, that'd be one thing. But I have a feeling most plastic equipment wouldn't survive that anyway.

 

[unionrdr]

Yeah,I know all about the bleach bit. I just got tired of all the hot water rinses to get the smell out of everything. but it may indeed be the only option at this point. I've gotten some dented cans,but non of them were swollen. That one should've gone back for replacement.

 

[Qhrumphf]

OP, where did you get the LME from? Online order, or LHBS?

I would DEFINITELY contact whomever you bought it from, as well as whoever manufactured the extract, and let them know about it. If it happened to your can, it may well have happened to others.