How Long Can You Use Expired Canned Food?

Expired canned food is a concern for many people, especially those who stock up on canned goods in the event of an emergency. Canned food can last for years and sometimes even decades, but knowing how long you can use expired canned food is essential to ensure that you are not putting yourself at risk of foodborne illness.

The expiration date printed on canned goods is not actually an expiration date, but rather a “best by” date. This means that the product should be consumed before that date in order to get the best quality and flavor from it. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends that all canned foods be consumed within 1 to 2 years of the “best by” date for optimal safety and quality.

However, it is important to note that even after a canned good has passed its “best by” date, it may still be safe to consume. Canned goods are sealed airtight and will not spoil as long as they remain unopened. If a can has been opened but not fully consumed, the contents should be thrown out within two days.

It is important to use your senses when determining if expired canned food is safe or not.

The best way to tell if a can of food is safe to eat is by using your senses: sight, smell, and taste. If the contents of the can look or smell strange or off in any way, do not consume them as they may be spoiled or contaminated. Additionally, if you taste something off about the food or find any signs of mold or discoloration on the surface of it, throw it away immediately.

In conclusion, you should use your senses when determining whether expired canned foods are safe to eat or not. Generally speaking, all canned goods should be consumed within 1-2 years after their “best by” date for optimal safety and quality. However, if a can remains unopened past its “best by” date it may still be safe for consumption as long as there are no signs of spoilage or contamination present.