A “hard swell” is a type of swelling in a can where both ends of the can are bulging and cannot be flattened without applying pressure. Unlike a soft swell, where the swelling yields under manual pressure, in a hard swell no impression can be made manually due to the rigidity of the bulge.
Hard swellings generally result from positive pressure inside the can, which can be caused by decomposition of the contents or by a chemical reaction between the contents and the container, especially in acidic products.
If you find a can with a hard swell, it is important not to consume its contents, as there may be a risk of illness or food poisoning. Instead, dispose of the can safely and, if possible, inform the manufacturer or the place where you purchased the product about the problem.