Does Canned Food Go Bad After Expiration Date?

Canned food is a convenient and shelf-stable food item that can be found in nearly every household pantry. Canned products are typically safe to consume for years after their expiration date. However, that doesn’t mean the quality of the product won’t begin to deteriorate over time. It’s important to be aware of the signs that canned food has gone bad, as spoiled canned foods can make you sick if consumed.

What Is an Expiration Date?

Expiration dates are intended to indicate when a product is at its peak quality and flavor, not when it becomes unsafe to eat. Food products may still be safe to eat even after their expiration date has passed, but some may begin to lose flavor or texture as they age.

How Long Do Canned Foods Last?

Canned goods retain their safety and nutritional value well past their “best by” or “use by” dates. In fact, it’s estimated that most canned foods will keep their best quality for about two years from the date of purchase, although they can last much longer than this.

Signs That Canned Food Has Gone Bad

If canned food has been stored properly and is still within its expiration date, there are a few telltale signs that it has gone bad:

  • Discoloration: If a canned food begins to take on a darker color than normal, this could be an indication that it’s no longer safe to consume.
  • Off Odor: If the contents of a can have an off smell or any kind of strange odor, this indicates spoilage.
  • Bulging Lids/Leaking Cans: If the lid of a can is bulging outwards or if there is liquid leaking from it, this is another indication that the contents have gone bad.
  • Spoiled Contents: If you open a can and find that its contents have become slimy or discolored in any way, these are indications that it has spoiled.

In conclusion, while canned foods typically don’t go bad after the expiration date passes and may still be safe to eat for several years afterwards, it’s important to pay attention to visual cues and off odors in order to determine if they’ve spoiled.