Eating old canned food can be a risky proposition. Although canned foods may look and taste fine, the reality is that over time, the food inside can become unsafe to consume.
Canned food has a long shelf life, but it does not last forever. As such, it is important to pay attention to the expiration date printed on the can and not consume any food that is past its expiration date.
Canned food can become contaminated with bacteria like Clostridium botulinum which can lead to botulism, a serious illness that affects the nervous system. Botulism poisoning is caused by eating contaminated foods that contain toxins produced by this bacteria. Symptoms of botulism include trouble breathing and speaking, blurred vision, nausea, vomiting, paralysis and even death in some cases.
The risk of getting sick from eating old canned food increases with time. If a can has been sitting in a cupboard for years past its expiration date then it’s best to throw it away as there could be an increased risk of contamination. It’s also important to check for signs of spoilage before consuming any canned goods such as bulging cans or dents in the cans which could indicate spoilage.
Tips for Storing Canned Food:
1) Store Cans at Room Temperature: Cans should be stored in cool dry places like pantries or cupboards away from direct sunlight or heat sources like stoves or radiators. Heat will cause cans to expand which could create an environment where bacteria can thrive.
2) Check Expiration Dates: Make sure to check expiration dates on cans before consuming them and discard any cans that are past their expiration date as they may have become contaminated with bacteria over time.
3) Rotate Stock: Make sure you are rotating stock properly so that you are using up older cans first and replacing them with new ones regularly.
4) Clean Containers: Make sure the containers you are storing the canned goods in are clean and free from any dirt or debris which could contaminate the cans.
Conclusion
: In conclusion, it is possible to get sick from eating old canned food if it has been stored improperly or left too long beyond its expiration date. It is important to pay attention to expiration dates on cans and discard any cans that have passed their expiration date as they may have become contaminated with bacteria over time. Additionally, make sure to store cans at room temperature in clean containers away from direct sunlight or heat sources and rotate stock regularly so that older cans are used up first.