Canned Food Safety

What would we do if it were not for canned beans, canned fish and other canned products! Canned food has become such a prominent portion of the food eaten the world over, that it is almost impossible to think of your fridge without it. But habit apart, sometimes I wonder how does this food fare on the health meter. As we all know canning involves loads of preservatives, which if consumed after long periods of time can be harmful for health. So here are some safety considerations regarding canned foodstuffs.

Health and Safety Considerations for Canned Foods

Lot of aspects are involved in the safety. Storage and expiry date are the foremost concerns while using canned food and which also affect their shelf life.

Point #1
A very logical and practical point is that cans can corrode, in case there is a reaction of the chemicals in the food with the metal of the can. It is more the case when there are acidic food items in the can like tomatoes and juices.

Point #2
There is a chance that the shelf life is reduced as result of rust, if it is not used in a proper manner. The lid for the most part is more prone to catching rust.

Point #3
In case the can does not show any signs of being spoiled, to ensure safety, it is necessary to make sure that the ingredients inside have not deteriorated. Nutritive value also might have gone down in such a situation. To decide if you should use this food the expiry date will have to be checked. It is very important to not eat canned food after its expiry date has lapsed!

Point #4
Canned foods, when stored at temperatures over 100º Fahrenheit, can get spoiled. In some cases, when it is stored at temperatures more than 75º Fahrenheit for a long time, there may be a considerable amount of nutritional loss.

Safety of Home Canned Foods

Now, the above factors were associated with commercial canned food. But what about home canning? Is it as harmful? Well, fortunately, no, it will not be as risky and unhealthy as the commercial food. But there is a condition - it should be done in the right manner. There are safe and tested canning methods, which will not pose a health concern to people consuming that food. It is better to stay away from vintage canning methods like using wax to seal the jars, pressure saucepans, oven canning and using mayonnaise jars. As long as you stay away from these methods, and use proper home canning instructions, you are safe.

Tips for Safety of Canned Foods

After going through the text above, you might think all this is fine, but then tell us how to use canned food, right? Here are some quick tips therefore, for the same.

1. Always use the can which has been brought earlier first - first in first out!
2. Avoid cans which display bulging, leaking and denting at the seam or rim.
3. If you hear a 'hiss' when you are opening a can, then to be on the safer side, dispose off the food.
4. Cans have to be stored in clean, cool and dry place and at temperature below 85º for ensuring safety.
5. A sign of a safe can is that when you press gently but firmly on the lid of the jar prior to opening it, the lid does not go pop.
6. Never forget to check the expiry date before you buy canned food.

Be it homemade or commercial, what is canned is as important as the method and the overall food packaging. Take Care!