Is Outdated Canned Food Safe to Eat?
Many households keep canned food in their pantries for quick and easy meals. But what happens when the expiration date passes? Is it still safe to eat canned food that has gone past its expiration date?
Generally, the shelf life of canned food is around two to five years. This means that manufacturers guarantee the food will remain safe and retain its original quality for two to five years from its production date. After this time, it’s best to discard the cans, as they may contain bacteria or other microorganisms that can make you ill.
The key factor in determining whether a can of food is safe or not is if it has been stored correctly. Cans should be stored in a cool, dry place away from extreme temperatures and direct sunlight. If the can has been damaged in any way — rusting, swelling or dents — then it should be discarded immediately as the seal may have been broken and bacteria could have entered the can.
If you’re unsure whether a can of food is still safe to consume or not, it’s best to err on the side of caution and discard it. It’s not worth risking your health over a few dollars saved.
In addition, there are several tell-tale signs that you can use to determine if canned food has gone bad:
- A bulging or swollen lid indicates that gas has built up inside the can due to bacterial activity.
- If a white powdery substance covers any part of the lid, then mold has likely begun growing inside.
- If any liquid seeps out when opening the can or if there are signs of corrosion on the outside, then bacteria may have infiltrated.
- If an unpleasant smell emanates from the can when opened, then there may be bacterial growth inside.
It’s important to remember that even if these signs aren’t present, canned foods past their expiration dates should still be discarded since bacteria may not always be visible.
Overall, eating outdated canned food is risky business and could lead to serious illness. It’s best to stay on top of your pantry inventory and avoid eating any expired cans of food – no matter how tempting!
Conclusion
Overall, while outdated canned foods may appear safe and smell alright upon opening them, there are no guarantees as bacteria cannot always be seen with the naked eye. It is important for people who keep canned goods in their pantries to keep track of expiration dates and discard cans once they have passed so they do not risk getting ill from consuming outdated products.