FSM 017: Storage Times For Commercially Canned Foods

Subscribe on iTunes

Episode Transcription

This is Susie Craig from Washington State University Extension and this is Food Safety in a Minute.

Do you have canned food in your pantry that may have been there for years? According to the US Food Safety Inspection Service, some of your commercially canned foods may still be safe to eat. 

High acid foods including tomatoes and many fruits may be stored up to 18 months. Low acid foods like meat and vegetables may be kept for several years. 

To safely store commercially canned foods, keep them in a cool, dry place. Canned products should never be stored under a sink, above the stove, in a damp garage or basement, or any location exposed to high or low temperature extremes.

How do you know how long you’ve had those cans of green beans or tuna on your shelves? It’s easy. As you unpack your groceries, use a marker to record the month and year of purchase. Then, use the oldest products first.

That’s today’s Food Safety in a Minute from Washington State University Extension, I’m Susie Craig.