Unopened canned food is considered to be shelf-stable and can stay edible for years if stored in a cool, dry place. However, there may be times when the temperature or humidity of the environment is not optimal and you might wonder if it is safe to store unopened canned food in the refrigerator.
The answer depends on a few factors, such as the type of food being stored and how long it will be kept. Canned fruits, vegetables, soups, stews, and some sauces can be safely kept in the refrigerator for several days after opening. This is because their flavor and texture can change over time due to exposure to air and light. If you plan to keep them longer than a few days, it is best to transfer them into an airtight container or freezer bag and store them in the freezer instead.
In contrast, canned meat products like tuna or salmon should not be stored in the refrigerator because they can spoil quickly due to bacteria growth. It is recommended that these items should be consumed within two days after opening. If you need to store them for longer than two days, it is best to transfer them into an airtight container or freezer bag and store them in the freezer instead.
Conclusion:
In general, unopened canned food can be stored safely in a cool and dry place for years without any issues. However, if you are unsure of how long you plan on storing it or don’t have an ideal storage environment available then transferring the contents of unopened cans into airtight containers or freezer bags and storing them in either the refrigerator or freezer might be necessary.