How Do You Know if Canned Food Is Safe?

Canned food is a great convenience and often more cost-effective than fresh or frozen foods. But how do you know if canned food is safe to eat? Canned food can contain dangerous bacteria, such as botulism, so it’s important to be aware of the safety measures you should take when purchasing and consuming canned food.

Check the Expiration Date

The USDA recommends that you check the expiration date before purchasing any canned food. If the expiration date has passed, don’t buy it. Cans that are bulging, leaking or dented should also be avoided.

Inspect for Rust

Once opened, inspect the surface of the can for rust. Rust will cause metal particles to leach into the food and could cause metal poisoning. If there are any signs of rust on the can, discard it immediately.

Look for Damaged Labels or Seals

When buying canned goods look for any damage to the label or seal. Damaged labels may indicate that someone tried to open it before you and could have contaminated the contents inside.

Smell Test

Finally, give your canned goods a smell test before consuming them.

Canned foods that have gone bad will usually have a sour or off odor. If you detect such an odor, discard it immediately.

Conclusion

By following these safety guidelines when purchasing and consuming canned foods, you can ensure that they are safe to eat and free from potential contaminants that could make you sick. Make sure to inspect cans for rust and damage before purchasing them; check expiration dates; look for damaged labels or seals; and always use a smell test before consuming any canned goods.