How Do You Know When Canned Food Is Bad?

Canned food is a great way to add variety to your diet. It is convenient and often cheaper than buying fresh food. Canned foods are also generally safe if stored properly, but it’s important to know when the food has gone bad.

It’s easy enough to tell if a can of food has been open for too long, as it will smell bad and show signs of spoilage. But how do you tell if canned food is bad when it hasn’t been opened?

Visual Inspection:

One of the first things you should look for is any bulging or dents in the can. These can be signs that the seal has been broken and bacteria may have gotten inside the can.

You should also check for any rust on the lid or sides of the can, as this could indicate damage to the seal or that the can hasn’t been stored properly leading to contamination.

Expiration Date:


Most canned goods have an expiration date printed on them so make sure you check this before using them. Canned foods typically last around 2-5 years after their expiration date, but it’s best to use them as soon as possible.

Smell Test:


If a can passes both visual inspection and its expiration date hasn’t passed, then it’s time to use your nose! Open the can slightly and take a whiff – if there is an off-smell coming from inside then it’s probably best not to use the contents inside.

Conclusion:
It is important to keep an eye out for any signs of spoilage when dealing with canned food in order to prevent any health risks associated with consuming bad food. Checking for bulges or dents in cans, rust on lids, expiration dates and performing a smell test are all quick and easy ways of determining whether or not canned goods have gone bad.