Is It Okay to Eat Expired Canned Food? | Food Bank of the Rockies (2024)

FAQs

Is It Okay to Eat Expired Canned Food? | Food Bank of the Rockies? ›

It's typically safe to eat food that's past its expiration date, with a few exceptions. If the can in question contains a higher-acid food such as tomatoes, fruits, pickles, sauerkraut, or a food in a vinegar-based sauce, the USDA recommends discarding these items after 18 months from date of purchase.

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.

If the can looks fine but you're still uncomfortable with it being past the "best by" date, donate it to a food pantry. Many food pantries accept — or will properly dispose of — expired goods. To avoid getting into a tricky situation in the first place, implement the first in, first out rule.

The expiry date of canned foods usually indicates three years from when it's been shelved, but you can consume them past the date for up to four more years. Make sure to keep your canned goods in a cool, dry spot though — and if there are any dents, rust or leaking, that's when it's time to ditch the goods.

While canned goods past their "best-by" date may not taste optimal, there's no real health risk in consuming canned goods as long as they remain in good condition. Here's why: The food in the container is commercially sterile and a vacuum seal prevents any new bacteria from getting in, so it will not spoil.

Canned fruits and vegetables

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.

Information. When disposing of spoiled food or products possibly contaminated with botulism, place the food, swollen metal cans or suspect glass jar in a heavy opaque or black garbage bag. Close and place the bag in a regular trash container or bury it in a nearby landfill.

“The shelf life of canned tuna can vary depending on a few factors, including packaging, processing methods, and storage conditions, but generally, canned tuna has a long shelf life and can remain safe to eat for an extended period, which can range from 2 to 5 years, or even more,” Best explains.

How long is too long after expiration date? ›

Sell-By Date: Refers to the last day a retailer can display a product for sale; typically a food is safe to eat for 10 days after the Sell-by Date if refrigerated properly. Use-By Date: Refers to the last day a product will maintain its optimum freshness, flavor, and texture.

Good news: Shelf-stable canned goods are safe more or less indefinitely, lasting up to five years or more according to the USDA.

Generally speaking, yes, it is safe to buy food on its expiration date. Expiration dates have more to do with the food's overall quality and texture instead of when it is safe or not safe to eat. As long as there are no signs of spoilage, you can eat it, but it might not taste as fresh as it once was.

Generally, high-acid foods (like tomatoes) will maintain their quality for 18 months after the "use by" or "sell by" date, while low-acid items (like meat and vegetables) will stay at their peak for two to five years.

40-Year-old Canned Corn Safe to Consume

National Food Processors Association (NFPA) chemists analyzed a 40-year-old can of corn from a California basem*nt. It looked and smelled like freshly canned corn. There were no contaminants and most of the original nutrients were present.

As such, we do not label our canned soups and pasta sauces with a 'best before' date. Rest assured that our canned food – including soups – are safe and tasty to eat for many years due to the way the food is cooked, right in the can.