Discard bulging cans because the food inside may be spoiled. Avoid buying cans with dents on the side seams or around the top and bottom rim seams. If a can is leaky, throw it away. Check for leakage in rusty cans. The rust may have penetrated the can and contaminated the food inside.
Bread stays fresh longer if stored in a cool, dry place.
Hard-crust breads, such as French bread, should be stored at room temperature and used within one or two days of purchase. Freeze fresh bread if you want to store it for a longer time. Flour should be kept in an airtight container. In hot and humid weather, flour may draw moisture permitting the growth of microorganisms. Whole wheat flour should be kept refrigerated year round because the natural oils in the flour may become rancid quickly if stored at room temperature.