Which of the following is a reason canned products must be rejected?

Canned products must be rejected for several critical reasons related to food safety, one of which is severe rust. When a can shows signs of severe rust, it can indicate that the can has been compromised, potentially allowing harmful bacteria to enter the product or causing the food inside to become contaminated. Corrosion can lead to leaks or punctures, which increases the risk of spoilage and makes the food unsafe for consumption.

While difficult-to-read labels, the absence of expiration dates, and high sodium content might raise concerns, they do not pose immediate health risks in the same way that severe rust does. A can with poor labeling might hinder traceability or proper usage instructions, but it does not necessarily indicate contamination. Similarly, the lack of an expiration date can complicate food safety assessments, but it does not imply that the product is inherently unsafe. High sodium content is a dietary concern rather than a food safety issue, and it does not render the food unsafe if the product itself is intact and free from damage. Therefore, severe rust is a clear reason to reject canned products due to its direct threat to the safety of the food inside.