How Long Can Canned Food Stay in a Hot Car?

Canned food is a popular choice for many, as it has a long shelf life and is available in a variety of flavors. But how long can canned food stay in a hot car?

The heat of a car can cause canned food to spoil quickly. Heat speeds up chemical reactions, which can affect the taste, texture and nutrition of canned foods. Heat also speeds up the growth of bacteria, which can cause food to become unsafe to eat. The higher temperatures inside a car on hot days can also cause cans to expand or even burst open.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends that canned goods be stored at temperatures below 75 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal safety and quality. That means leaving canned goods in a hot car for any length of time could be risky and should be avoided if possible.

If you do need to leave canned foods in your car, try to keep them out of direct sunlight and away from the dashboard or other warm areas inside your vehicle.

If you do leave canned foods in your car on a hot day, make sure to check the temperature inside before eating it. Ideally, you should toss any cans that have been left at temperatures above 75 degrees Fahrenheit for more than two hours. Any cans that have been left at temperatures above 90 degrees Fahrenheit should not be consumed under any circumstances as they may contain harmful bacteria or other contaminants that can cause foodborne illness if ingested.

Conclusion:

It’s best to avoid leaving canned foods in a hot car for extended periods of time as this could lead to spoilage or contamination from bacteria or other contaminants that can cause illness if ingested. If you must leave cans in your vehicle on warm days, try to keep them out of direct sunlight and away from warm areas such as the dashboard and check their temperature before consuming them. Cans exposed to temperatures above 90 degrees Fahrenheit should not be consumed under any circumstances due to the risk of contamination.