Does cooking one month expired canned goods render it edible?
Sometimes when preparing to eat canned goods, I realized that it has already expired. I am hesitant to throw it away because it may still be edible.
Question: Does cooking expired canned goods make them edible? Assume that it expired no more than one month ago. Some say yes, because it only affects the quality of the product. Some says no, because it is very dangerous and not worth risking.
I want to hear this from experts. :)
Best Answer
If the food is spoiled, no, it's still unsafe, because cooking may not destroy toxins that have built up over time. Botulism is a particularly nasty one that will not be destroyed without pressure cooking, and can really, really mess you up.
... but in the case of canned goods, if the cans are still intact (no punctures, rust, etc), and the canning process was done correctly, the food inside will remain safe even if the quality of the food may have changed, which is what the 'use by' or 'best buy' dates typically signify for canned goods. (some will argue it may change for the better).
In the scope of storage lifetime for canned goods, one month is relatively nothing. It's more significant what temperature it had been stored at up until now, as canned goods age significantly faster at warmer temperatures. I personally wouldn't hesitate to eat stuff in a one-month past 'use by' date can (or even a year past), but I'm in a more moderate climate than you are.
If the cans have been in a relatively cool place (not in direct sunlight, or stored near a heat source), it's probably okay. Look for obvious signs of puffiness, and listen for air escaping then you open the can (entering is okay ... escaping is bad). If you hear lots of hissing after breaking the seal on the can or if it smells or looks off, just pitch it and don't risk it. (as would be true for canned goods still within their 'best by' date ... although then you might be able to get a refund from the company if you contact them)
And, to cover myself from potential litigious behavior : If you're immune supressed, I wouldn't suggest you take the risk. I also wouldn't suggest serving it to others ... although the risk may be low, other people should get to make an informed choice if they wish to risk it. (older people and small children are more likely to have issues)
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Quick Answer about "Does cooking one month expired canned goods render it edible?"
According to the USDA, canned goods will last indefinitely if they are kept in good condition. Though, that's no guarantee that the food's texture and taste will be the same as when you first bought it years past the expiration date.How long after expiration date are canned goods safe to eat?
High acid canned goods such as canned fruits, including tomatoes, should be eaten within 1-2 years past their expiration date. Low acid canned goods like vegetables, canned meats, and soups should be eaten within 2-3 years past their expiration date.Can you get botulism from expired canned foods?
In general, canned foods can last for decades after their expiration date. But this doesn't mean they are always safe to eat. If air manages to leak into the canned food, such as if the seal breaks, then it could become contaminated. Botulism is a big risk here.What can you do with expired canned goods?
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.Can you eat canned soup a year out of date?
So, the short answer is, yes, you can eat canned foods that have expired, because the 'expiration date' is not an expiration date at all, but simply a best-by date or a sell-by date.How Long Does Canned Food Last? Survival Tip
Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
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