Is It Okay to Leave Canned Food in a Hot Car?

Canned food is a convenient and shelf-stable way to get the nutrition and energy you need. However, it’s important to be aware of the risks associated with leaving canned food in a hot car, as temperatures can easily reach over 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

Canned goods are made up of two parts, a metal can and a plastic or rubber lid. When left in a hot car, both parts can become compromised due to the heat.

The metal can can warp and expand due to the heat, while the plastic or rubber lid can become brittle and even melt away. This can cause bacteria to penetrate the cans and contaminate its contents.

Another issue is that heat causes pressure buildup inside cans. If left in a hot car for too long, this pressure buildup may cause cans to explode or burst open. This not only poses a safety hazard but also wastes food, as any contents inside will be exposed to bacteria or other contaminants from outside sources.

Finally, canned goods that have been heated for extended periods of time may have an unpleasant taste or odor. This is because heat causes some of the vitamins and minerals present in canned goods to break down over time, resulting in an off-taste or smell. Plus, if there are any chemicals used in the production process still present in the product, those too may be affected by heat which could make them unsafe for consumption.

In conclusion, it is not recommended to leave canned food in a hot car for extended periods of time as it poses various risks such as contamination from bacteria or other contaminants, pressure buildup that could lead to explosion or bursting open of cans, as well as changes in taste and smell due to vitamin breakdowns caused by heat.