Can You Get Sick From Expired Canned Food?

Eating expired canned food can be tempting, especially if you’re trying to save money or avoid throwing away food. But can you get sick from eating expired canned food? The answer is yes, and it’s important to understand why.

Canned foods are safe to eat for a long time after their expiration date as long as they have been stored properly. However, if the cans are dented, bulging, leaking or rusty, there’s an increased risk of contamination and potential food poisoning.

Cans that have been stored at temperatures above 90°F for more than two weeks may also contain dangerous bacteria. If a can is swollen or the contents are foamy, it should be discarded immediately.

Even if the cans look normal on the outside, it’s still important to check for signs of spoilage on the inside. Canned foods should not have any off-odor or discoloration. If you notice any signs of mold growth or smell a rancid odor, discard the product immediately.

So what happens if you eat expired canned food?

If you eat expired canned food that has been contaminated with bacteria like Clostridium botulinum, it could cause serious health issues like nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. In severe cases, it can even lead to paralysis and death. Therefore, it’s important not to take any chances when it comes to eating expired canned food.

Conclusion:

It is possible to get sick from eating expired canned food. The risk increases if the cans are dented, bulging, leaking or rusty.

Even if the cans look normal on the outside, there may still be signs of spoilage on the inside. If you notice any signs of mold growth or smell a rancid odor coming from a can of food, discard it immediately and do not consume it.