I wouldn't touch them.

Not sure who the "manufacturer" might be other than Ball or Kerr. That said, I've never had a bulging top and I make quite a few pickles.

Pickles are generally pretty safe provided they were processed properly and an approved recipe used. But, the bulging tops to me say they may have issues. Better safe than sorry.

JMO,
Deanna

I don't know how she's been processing pickles for the past 40 years, but cucumbers are loaded with mold spores and bacteria, so it may be that her luck just ran out.

A bulging lid is a classic sign of spoilage. While a lid may occasionally crinkle if the ring is applied too tightly, bulging is a powerful indication the product has gone bad. It's not a manufacturer issue.

Whatever's working in the jar will continue until the pressure reaches a point where the seal does break, so if the seal is still good, it just means it's early days yet.

Carol

It might have been crinkled as you said, but I'll print this out for her. Thank you. Nancy