Forensic examination of a mouse allegedly found in a previously sealed can of milk stout

A mouse carcase, allegedly found in a can of commercial milk stout sealed 3 months previously, was examined. Because of uncertainty as to the time of death of the mouse, a pilot trial, designed to determine whether the mouse had been canned simultaneously with the milk stout, was performed. Twelve mice were killed, and canned in 450 ml beer cans. After periods varying from 1 day to 3 months the cans were opened and the state of decomposition of the mice was recorded. By comparing the state of the submitted mouse with that of the experimental mice it was established, without doubt, that the submitted mouse could not have been in the can at the time the consumer had opened it.