If there is food that can be stored long, it is canned goods which can last for 3-5 years under proper conditions. Canned goods may be a common sight in many households and used either as a regular part of our diet or used for emergency purposes. Being packed in aluminum cans or metal foils, the tight seal prevents the entry of air into the can thereby preventing growth of most microorganisms. Food spoilage can still happen before the expiration dates on the following conditions – sterilization was not able to kill all bacteria, contamination during processing, that is, after sterilization, or air gained entry.
A hallmark of food spoilage is related to safety of canned goods, the FDA Advisory 2013-027 issued a decade ago still applies. Most of it is cited here verbatim.
Food intoxication and food spoilage from eating canned foods are almost entirely due to the action of bacteria that have gained entrance or remained viable inside after an improper sterilization process despite the anaerobic conditions.
It is possible to detect food spoilage by examining the integrity of the can. Never buy canned goods with dents especially if found in the seam of the can. Bulging ends may mean that there are leaks in the can or bacteria have colonized inside and produce gases as by-product. Dent or damaged canned goods can produce pinhole-size openings which may not be obvious to the consumers. A single pinhole-size allows bacteria to enter, grow and spoil the food inside and may produce toxins. A dirty label is an indicator of possible leak of contents. Rust is another indicator of improper storage and handling of food products which may affect the integrity of sealed products. These are all strong indications of food spoilage which can cause food intoxication or food-borne diarrhea.
All consumers are advised to be more vigilant by closely examining the canned food products for signs of food spoilage before buying them. Moreover, consumers are enjoined to read the labels, including those on sale or offered with discounts.
Canned or not, learn to read labels. Once “expiration date” is reached, throw it away. “Best before” date means the food is not that good beyond that date. Home made foods have no labels nor expiration dates. All up to your decision to buy or not. Note that harmful microbes cannot be seen nor tasted. As always, when in doubt, don’t buy. If in doubt of foods at home, better to throw it away to be safe.
