Canned food is one of the most popular and convenient ways to stock up on food items, especially in times of emergencies. But not all canned food is created equal; some have a longer shelf-life than others, and some are more durable than others.
As such, it’s important to know how long canned food can stay outside of the refrigerator before it spoils.
Most canned food, such as vegetables, fruits, soups and sauces, can stay outside for up to two hours before needing to be refrigerated. This applies even if the temperature outside is fairly hot; in fact, many experts recommend that you refrigerate these types of canned foods after two hours in temperatures above 90°F.
When it comes to meats and fish however, the rules are a bit different. These types of proteins are highly perishable and should not be kept outside for more than an hour – even if the temperature is lower than 90°F. In these cases, it’s best to transfer them directly into your refrigerator or freezer after they have been opened.
Tips For Keeping Canned Food Fresh:
- Always store your canned goods in a cool and dry place.
- Make sure airtight containers are used when storing meat or fish.
- Check expiration dates before consuming any canned products.
- Cook all foods thoroughly before eating.
Canned foods can be a great addition to any pantry or meal plan; however, it’s important to understand how long they can stay outside before spoiling. Most vegetables and fruits will remain safe for up to two hours outside of the refrigerator in temperatures below 90°F; however, meats and fish should only be kept at room temperature for no more than an hour.
Conclusion:
Overall, with proper storage and handling techniques, canned foods can remain safe while they are stored outside for a period of time. However, it’s best practice to refrigerate or freeze any meat or fish products within an hour after opening them. Additionally following tips like storing cans in cool dry places and checking expiration dates are always helpful when keeping canned foods fresh.