A forgotten can at the bottom of the pantry can really surprise you. The use-by date is long gone, and you hesitate whether the content can still serve any purpose. And know that the answer is not black and white and sometimes it’s the details that people often don’t even notice that make the difference.
It has certainly happened to everyone. When cleaning the kitchen or moving, you come across a can that remembers better times. Throwing it away right away is a shame, but opening it without thinking, on the other hand, can be too risky. they certainly have a reputation for being nearly immortal, but the reality is a bit more complicated. The date of minimum durability does not automatically mean the end of consumption as such, but neither does it guarantee safety.
What is the actual shelf life of canned food? In the following video, you will find out what the date on the package means and when the can is still safe to eat:
What the packaging tells you before you open it
The first step should always be a visual inspection. It should be canned intact, no dents, rust or suspicious swelling. The arched lid or bottom is a clear warning that dangerous bacteria could have proliferated inside. And such a piece belongs without discussion in the trash.
If the packaging looks fine, where the can was stored also plays a role. Dryness, cold and darkness significantly extend its shelf life. On the other hand, a damp basement or a place near the heater can speed up the processes inside many times. This is also why it can happen that two cans with the same expiry date last a completely different amount of time.
When opening, the senses simply decide. Any unnatural smell, hissing or discoloration should be a clear signal that the experiment is ending. Tasting just “for a test” is definitely not worth it in the case of old cans.
A story from the soil that ended up in the trash
For example, Mrs. Věra Paldusová from Jablonec nad Nisou found a truly unique item during her move. “In one box was a tin of lunchmeat from 1986. It looked intact and the curiosity was huge,” he recalls. Upon opening it, she was surprised to find that the contents were not obviously spoiled. No odor or mold.
Still, she made the right decision. “Even though it looked okay, I didn’t even think about tasting it. It just doesn’t belong on the plate,” she says. The can ended up in the trash, and Mrs. Věra adds that the feeling of relief was definitely worth it. Some risks are simply not worth the curiosity or nostalgia.
When is it better not to take risks?
In general, acidic foods such as tomatoes or fruit last a shorter time than meat or . The more susceptible the contents of the can to spoilage, the more careful you should be. In addition, if the label is missing or you do not remember the origin of the can, it is better to say goodbye to it without regret.
Post-warranty canned food can sometimes still be edible, but you should never bet on it blindly. Health always comes first and an empty pantry can always be replenished. And that is certainly a certainty that is worth it.
