What Food Safety Measure Should Be Taken When Opening Canned Goods?

Opening canned goods can be a convenient way to get a meal on the table quickly. But it is important to take certain food safety measures when opening canned goods in order to avoid any potential risks of food poisoning or contamination.

Check the Expiration Date – Always check the expiration date on canned goods before opening them. If the expiration date has already passed, then it is best not to open and consume the canned goods as they may have gone bad.

Look for Signs of Damage – Before opening, inspect the cans for any signs of damage such as dents or bulges. Cans with these types of damage may indicate that there are bacteria present inside, so it is best not to consume them if they appear damaged or swollen.

Wash Your Hands – Before handling the cans, make sure that you wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. This will help reduce the risk of contaminating the cans with any bacteria from your hands.

Clean Surfaces – If you’re going to be using a cutting board or countertop to open the cans, make sure that these surfaces are clean and free from any dirt or bacteria. You should also use a clean knife or can opener to open the cans in order to reduce any risk of contamination from these tools as well.

Refrigerate Leftovers Immediately – After opening canned goods, any leftovers should be placed in an airtight container and stored in the refrigerator right away. This will help ensure that they stay fresh and safe for consumption later on.

Conclusion:

Taking certain food safety measures when opening canned goods can help reduce your risk of food poisoning or contamination. Be sure to check expiration dates, look for signs of damage, wash your hands, clean surfaces before handling cans and refrigerate leftovers immediately after opening them.