We recently discovered light rust on a number of cans of hominy (Alfresco brand). This small amount of rust is the result of a manufacturing issue, and it is considered a cosmetic blemish, not a food safety issue.  We still have a full truckload of this product in our inventory, so you may continue to notice minor rust on cans you receive for a while. We are working with the vendor to ensure that future loads do not have this issue.

In general, cans with rust that can be wiped away with a finger or a paper towel are safe to use. However, cans with heavy or pitted rust should be securely discarded. Please ensure you have the OFB Can Safety posters at your agency in English and Spanish. If you are interested in learning even more about canned food safety, please check out the ADFO Guide to Can Defects.

Here are some examples of the rust we are seeing on the hominy cans. All of these are acceptable to distribute:

Here are some examples of cans with unacceptable/unsafe levels of rust.  If you receive Alfresco Hominy cans that look like this, please securely discard them and let OFB know: