Having a few cans of food stored in the fridge can be a great convenience for busy households. Canned food is easy to prepare, and it can be stored for long periods of time without spoiling. But is it really okay to keep canned food in the fridge?
The answer to this question is complicated, because it depends on the type of canned food being stored. Some canned foods are best kept at room temperature, while others are better off when refrigerated.
For instance, canned fruits and vegetables should always be kept in the refrigerator, as they may spoil quickly if left at room temperature. Likewise, canned meats and fish should also be refrigerated once they’ve been opened, as they can spoil more quickly than other types of canned foods.
However, there are some types of canned foods that are fine to keep at room temperature. These include soups and stews, as well as some tomato-based products such as spaghetti sauce or salsa. These items can be stored safely in a cool, dry place for several months without needing to be refrigerated.
It’s important to remember that even if a certain type of canned food can be kept at room temperature, it’s still best practice to store it in the fridge if it has been opened or exposed to air for an extended period of time. Air exposure can cause bacteria and mold growth on the surface of the can or its contents, so storing it in a cool environment will help prevent this from occurring. Additionally, some cans may rust over time if not stored properly, so keeping them in the refrigerator may help prevent this from happening as well.
In conclusion, whether or not it’s okay to keep canned food in the fridge depends on what type of food is being stored and whether or not it has been opened/exposed to air. Generally speaking, most fruits and vegetables should be kept refrigerated while most soups and stews are fine at room temperature; however, any opened or exposed cans should always be refrigerated for safety reasons.