'Toss it': Doctor issues urgent canned food warning over risk of paralysis - or even death

She explained that damage to tins, particularly around the edges, can compromise their protective seal, allowing dangerous Clostridium botulinum bacteria to flourish inside.

"Did you guys know that you should never eat from a can that is dented because it could literally paralyse you," Dr Ennedy cautioned.

The bacteria produce botulinum toxin, which causes botulism - a rare but extremely serious form of food poisoning that attacks the nervous system.

The physician warned that even minuscule amounts of this toxin can trigger botulism, affecting the body's nerves.

What makes this threat particularly insidious is its complete invisibility, as the toxin cannot be detected through sight, smell or taste.

"The scary part is that you really can't see it, you can't smell it, you can't taste it, so your food is going to look and seem completely normal and you'll have no idea," Dr Ennedy explained.

According to NHS data, this condition proves fatal in approximately 5 to 10 per cent of cases. The paralysis can progress to the respiratory muscles if left untreated, making breathing impossible.

The NHS classifies botulism as a rare yet life-threatening illness triggered by toxins from Clostridium botulinum bacteria.

Whilst most patients recover fully with proper treatment, the condition remains extremely dangerous. The paralysis can extend to breathing muscles without swift medical intervention.

The timeline for symptom onset varies considerably - from just a few hours to multiple days following exposure to the bacteria or their toxins.

Initial signs might include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea or constipation. Without treatment, the paralysis begins in the head and progressively moves downward through the body towards the legs.

The complete recovery rate depends entirely on receiving prompt medical care.

Given that contaminated food appears perfectly normal and the consequences can be catastrophic - including permanent paralysis or death - the safest approach is simply to discard any compromised tins.

Dr Ennedy's advice is to throw away any tin that shows signs of damage.

"So if a can is bulging, dented, or leaking, at the rim or seams, toss it; it is really not worth the risk," she stressed.

The physician particularly highlighted damage near the seams as especially hazardous, as this is where the protective seal is most vulnerable to breaching.