Convenient, versatile, and inexpensive, canned food, from protein-packed tuna to savory tomatoes, are integral to every well-stocked pantry—but how long does canned food last? They're reputed to have a lengthy shelf-life, allowing you to stockpile ingredients for emergencies and last-minute meals, but if you've been staring down the same staples for eons, it’s helpful to know how long is "long," exactly. We connected with food safety experts to learn more about the lasting powers of canned foods, plus the best storage methods to prevent spoilage.
Mitzi Baum, MSc, food safety instructor at Michigan State University and CEO of STOP Foodborne Illness
Bryan Quoc Le, Ph.D., food scientist and author of 150 Food Science Questions Answered
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The dates on canned goods indicate quality, not safety.
"There may be a variety of dates and numbers on store-bought canned foods, including the date the product was manufactured, the manufacturing facility information and lot code, and the 'use by' or 'sell by' date," explains Mitzi Baum, MSc, food safety instructor at Michigan State University and CEO of STOP Foodborne Illness.
The "use by" and "sell by" dates typically refer to the quality or the peak flavor and freshness of the product. "After that date, the manufacturer cannot guarantee that their product [will be] the tastiest," says Baum.
How Long Does Canned Food Last?
Canned food can endure indefinitely—or at least several years past the date on the label, according to Bryan Quoc Le, Ph.D., food scientist and author. Generally, high-acid foods (like tomatoes) will maintain their quality for 18 months after the "use by" or "sell by" date.Low-acid items (like meat, beans, and vegetables) will stay at their peak for two to five years.
When to Get Rid of Canned Food
In order for canned food to attain a long shelf-life, the cans must be in good condition. Since the condition of a can affect the safety of its contents, looking for physical signs on the can will help you determine if it's safe to use. Keep an eye out for the following:
Dings: The USDA advises against eating food from cans that are leaking, bulging, severely dented, punctured, or rusted.
Heavy rust: Light rusting is not a cause for concern. "If you can wipe the rust off with a wet cloth, the food inside is still safe. If the rust is extensive and won't wipe off, throw the can away," says Baum. She points to the Packaged and Canned Food Defect Guideline by the Association of Food and Drug Officials, which provides photos to help you determine if your dented or rusted can is safe or if it should be discarded.
Smells: Canned food that emits a bad odor or spurts liquid when opened should be tossed.
Canned Foods and Botulism
According to Le, deformations in the cans generate microscopic holes in the can, allowing minute amounts of oxygen to enter. "This creates an environment in which botulinum spores can sporulate, leading to the growth of the bacteria Clostridium botulinum," he adds. Even with a tiny amount of oxygen, Clostridium botulinum will release the toxin that causes botulism, a rare but serious disease that affects the body's nerves.
The Right Way to Store Canned Food
You can ensure your canned food stays in good condition through proper storage. According to Le, canned goods should be kept in a cool, dry place, as warmth and moisture can accelerate damage and rusting. This means areas like under the sink, above the stove, and damp basem*nts are not recommended, as noted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.Canned goods shouldn't be exposed to very high or low temperatures, which can increase the risk of spoilage and ruptured cans, respectively.
Home-Canned Goods
If processed correctly, home-canned goods can last for years, says Baum. The product's quality and nutritional value will decrease over time, but it will be safe to eat. But if the lid pops or bulges on your home-canned item, throw it away. According to Baum, this occurs when the bacteria not killed during the cooking process grows and releases gases, causing the lid to pop or expand.
Canned food can endure indefinitely—or at least several years past the date on the label, according to Bryan Quoc Le, Ph. D., food scientist and author. Generally, high-acid foods (like tomatoes) will maintain their quality for 18 months after the "use by" or "sell by" date.
Most shelf-stable foods are safe indefinitely. In fact, canned goods will last for years, as long as the can itself is in good condition (no rust, dents, or swelling). Packaged foods (cereal, pasta, cookies) will be safe past the 'best by' date, although they may eventually become stale or develop an off flavor.
Canned food can endure indefinitely—or at least several years past the date on the label, according to Bryan Quoc Le, Ph. D., food scientist and author. Generally, high-acid foods (like tomatoes) will maintain their quality for 18 months after the "use by" or "sell by" date.
High acid foods such as tomatoes and other fruit will keep their best quality up to 18 months; low acid foods such as meat and vegetables, 2 to 5 years. While extremely rare, a toxin produced by Clostridium botulinum is the worst danger in canned goods.
According to the United States Department of Agriculture, canned contents are safe to eat as long as the can is in “good shape.” The Canned Food Alliance agrees, citing 100-year-old canned food that was recovered from sunken ships and tested microbiologically safe.
In most cases, the best-by dates for cans of Spam are approximately three years after the manufacturing date. After the best-by date, Spam is still safe to eat; however, it may change in appearance, taste, or nutritional value.
Cans in good condition—meaning no dents, swelling or rust—stored in a cool, clean, dry place are safe indefinitely. We're talking corn, peas, carrots, green beans, asparagus, peaches, pears, pineapple and so much more.
A good rule of thumb for canned seafood, such as canned salmon or canned tuna, is that it can be safely kept in a cool dark pantry for 5 years. But really, as long as the seal remains unbroken, a tin can last nearly indefinitely.
Have you caught your pet rooting through the trash for a tasty morsel? Eating spoiled or moldy food from the trash can cause food poisoning. Eating raw food can also sicken your cat, dog, or small animal. Cooking kills salmonella and listeria, two types of bacteria that make both people and pets sick.
The danger zone is the temperature range of 40–140°F (4–60°C), in which bacteria grow and thrive. Keeping perishable foods out of the danger zone is critical to keeping your food safe. Keep your hot foods hot and your cold foods cold.
According to the FSIS, canned foods with a low acid content, like meat, beans, peas, soups, or vegetables (or our favorite, canned tuna), will keep anywhere from two to five years.
While opening the jar, smell for unnatural odors and look for spurting liquid and cotton-like mold growth (white, blue, black, or green) on the top food surface and underside of lid. Spoiled low-acid foods, including tomatoes, may exhibit different kinds of spoilage evidence or very little evidence.
As you make your tornado preparedness plan, make sure to add lots of canned foods to your storm shelter. These goods tend to last months, if not years, without going bad. However, be sure to continuously check expiration dates and get rid of anything that's too far gone.
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