It’s summertime and the temperature is soaring. You’re out and about, but you need to bring some canned food with you. Can you leave it in your hot car?
The answer is a bit complicated.
Ideally, canned food should not be stored in temperatures over 100 °F (38 °C). This is because when the food inside the can gets too hot, it can lead to spoilage and even botulism. Canned food that has been heated to these temperatures for extended periods of time can become dangerous for consumption.
When stored in a hot car, the interior of a closed car can reach temperatures over 100°F (38°C) on a sunny day. This means that if canned food is left in a car for an extended period of time, it could potentially become unsafe to eat. It’s also important to note that leaving cans in direct sunlight can cause them to swell and possibly burst open due to the increased pressure from the heat.
However, there are ways to safely store canned food in your car. If you’re transporting cans of food in a vehicle, be sure to keep them out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources like air vents or direct sunlight coming through the windows. You should also ensure that they are kept cool by placing them on ice or using an insulated cooler bag or container.
It’s also important to note that any canned foods that have been heated above 100°F (38°C) should be discarded immediately as they could pose serious health risks if consumed.
In conclusion, while canned food shouldn’t be stored in temperatures over 100°F (38°C), it is possible to store them in your vehicle safely as long as proper precautions are taken such as keeping them out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources.
In conclusion, while it’s not ideal to store cans of food in your hot car, you can still do so safely as long as you take necessary precautions such as keeping them out of direct sunlight and away from other sources of heat. Any cans that have been heated above 100°F (38°C) should be discarded immediately as they could pose serious health risks if consumed.