Canned food is an excellent way to store items for long periods of time and can be an economical way to buy food items. But how do you know if canned food has gone bad? The good news is that it is relatively easy to tell if canned food has gone bad and there are several ways to spot the signs.
Expiration Dates – Expiration dates are a great way to know if your canned food has gone bad. Many cans have a “best if used by” or “use by” date on them, which can help you decide whether or not the product is still safe to eat. Pay careful attention to dates, as foods past their expiration date may not be safe to eat.
Appearance – Cans can often show signs of damage or wear and tear that can indicate the inside contents may be spoiled. Look for dents, rust, punctures, bulging lids and other signs of damage on the cans. If the can is damaged in any way, it is likely that it should be discarded.
Smell – When you open a can, take a sniff of its contents before eating them. Spoiled canned foods will often have a sour or off-smelling odor that indicates they have gone bad.
If you notice any strange smells coming from the contents of a can, discard it immediately.
Taste – Finally, take a small taste of what’s inside the can before consuming larger amounts. Spoiled foods will often taste sour or off and should not be eaten. If you notice any strange tastes in your canned food, discard it immediately and do not consume it.
Conclusion:
Knowing when canned food has gone bad is an important part of maintaining proper food safety practices. Pay attention to expiration dates, check for signs of damage on the cans themselves and take note of any strange smells or tastes when opening canned goods. Taking these precautions will ensure your canned foods remain safe for consumption for as long as possible.