Canned goods are a great way to stock up on food and supplies, but the expiration dates can be confusing. How long will canned food last past the expiration date?
The answer is not cut and dry. It depends on a number of factors, such as the type of food in the can, how it has been stored, and how it was processed. Canned goods that have been opened tend to last shorter than canned goods that haven’t been opened, due to the increase in exposure to air and moisture.
In general, canned goods have a shelf life of around two years when unopened and stored in a cool, dry place with no direct sunlight. If you open the can, it’s best to consume it within three days.
After that point, bacteria can start to grow which can make you sick if consumed. It’s also important to note that if the can has any dents or bulges it should be thrown out immediately as this could be an indication of bacterial growth inside the can.
When it comes to canned goods past their expiration date, there are some indicators you can look for to determine if they are still safe for consumption. For example, if the food has an “off” smell or color that is different than what is expected for that type of food then it should be thrown out right away as this could be an indication of spoilage. Additionally, if there is any visible mold growing on the food then it should not be consumed as this could lead to illness.
Conclusion:
Overall, canned foods have a shelf life of around two years when unopened and stored properly. However, once opened cans should be consumed within three days as bacteria may start growing after that point which can make you sick if ingested. Additionally, examining cans for signs such as dents or bulges as well as looking for changes in smell or color are all indicators that tell you whether or not canned foods are safe for consumption past their expiration date.