diff --git a/code/modules/unit_tests/trash_food.dm b/code/modules/unit_tests/trash_food.dm
index 570531c187d..8b545d5a751 100644
--- a/code/modules/unit_tests/trash_food.dm
+++ b/code/modules/unit_tests/trash_food.dm
@@ -30,5 +30,5 @@
 			continue
 		if(trash in food_trash_blacklist)
 			continue
-
-		TEST_ASSERT(food_trash[trash], "[food] must include its trash_type for loot table /obj/effect/spawner/random/trash/food_packaging or be added to this unit tests food_trash_blacklist")
+		if(!food_trash[trash])
+			TEST_FAIL("[food] must include its trash_type for loot table /obj/effect/spawner/random/trash/food_packaging or be added to this unit tests food_trash_blacklist")