Will Expired Canned Food Hurt You?

Expired canned food can be a bit of a tricky situation. The truth is, when it comes to canned food, it doesn’t actually expire in the traditional sense. With that said, there are certain things to take into consideration when dealing with expired canned food.

The Shelf Life Of Canned Foods
Canned foods typically last for two to five years before they start to lose their nutritional value or even become unsafe for consumption. This means that as long as the cans are properly stored and unopened, they should remain safe and edible for at least two years past the printed expiration date.

What Happens When Canned Food Expires?
When canned food expires, its nutritional value decreases significantly. It also loses flavor and texture as time passes.

Keep in mind that this process is gradual and won’t happen overnight. The key is to inspect the cans carefully before consuming them – if the cans are bulging or leaking, then you should discard them immediately.

Changes In Taste And Texture
Over time, canned foods will also start to change in terms of taste and texture. This is due to a process called “canning fatigue,” which is caused by the repeated exposure of air and light during storage. Keep in mind that if you open a can of food that has gone bad, then it may have an unpleasant odor or taste – so make sure to inspect the cans thoroughly before consuming them!

Conclusion:
Will expired canned food hurt you? While it won’t necessarily harm you if consumed past its expiration date, it’s important to inspect the cans carefully before consuming them – if they are bulging or leaking, then you should discard them immediately. Additionally, keep in mind that over time canned foods will start to lose their nutritional value as well as their flavor and texture due to exposure of air and light during storage – so make sure to check for any signs of spoilage before eating!