Does Canned Food Rot?

Canned food is a convenient and shelf-stable way to store meals and snacks, but does canned food rot? The short answer is that, in most cases, canned food does not rot.

How Canned Food Lasts So Long

Canned foods are preserved using either heat or pressure. Heat-preserved foods are heated during the canning process, killing any bacteria or spoilage elements inside the can.

Pressure-preserved foods are placed inside a vacuum chamber and pressure is applied to the outside of the can, keeping air from entering and spoiling the contents. The combination of these processes creates an environment that keeps out bacteria and other contaminants, thus giving canned foods an extended shelf life.

What Happens if Canned Food Is Not Sealed Properly?

When cans are not sealed properly, oxygen may enter the can and cause spoilage or create an environment in which bacteria can grow. If you notice that your canned food has been opened or damaged in some way, it is best to discard it immediately as there may be contaminants present. Additionally, cans that have accumulated rust over time should be discarded as they could contain unsafe levels of iron in the food.

Canned Foods That Are Prone To Spoilage

Although many canned foods will last for years without spoiling, there are some varieties of canned food that may spoil faster than others. These include: fruits and vegetables with high water content such as tomatoes; cooked meats; dairy products; eggs; fish; and olives. Since these types of items contain more moisture than other canned items, they are more prone to spoiling when not stored properly or sealed tightly.

Conclusion

In general, canned food does not rot due to its preservation process which involves heat or pressure to keep out contaminants such as bacteria from entering the can. However, if a can is opened or damaged in some way it should be discarded immediately as it may contain unsafe levels of contaminants. Additionally, certain types of canned foods such as fruits and vegetables with high water content may spoil faster than others due to their higher moisture content.