What Can Happen if You Eat Expired Canned Food?

Eating expired canned food can be risky. Canned food has a long shelf life, but once it has passed its expiration date, it can become contaminated with bacteria and cause food-borne illness. Eating expired canned food can also cause digestive issues, such as bloating, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

Canned food is typically safe to eat for a long time after its expiration date, but it’s important to note that the longer the food sits in the can or on the shelf, the more likely it is to become contaminated with bacteria. Canned foods are protected from spoilage by a thin layer of metal called a canning seal which prevents oxygen from entering and spoiling the contents. However, over time this seal can weaken and allow oxygen to enter the can which increases the chances of bacterial contamination.

Bacterial contamination in canned food is usually caused by Clostridium botulinum, commonly referred to as botulism. Botulism is an illness caused by bacteria that produces toxins which can cause severe muscle paralysis and even death if not treated quickly. Symptoms of botulism include difficulty swallowing, blurred vision, double vision and muscle weakness.

It’s important to remember that eating expired canned food does not necessarily mean you will get sick. The best way to avoid this risk is to only buy canned goods within their expiration dates and properly store them in a cool dark place away from direct sunlight or heat sources.

Conclusion:

What Can Happen if You Eat Expired Canned Food? Eating expired canned food can be dangerous since it may contain bacteria which could lead to serious illnesses such as botulism or digestive issues like bloating, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. It’s best to only buy canned goods within their expiration dates and store them properly in order to avoid these risks.