Having canned goods in your pantry can save you time and effort when you need to make a quick dinner but don’t have time to go to the store.
These foods don’t go bad quickly and can be used to make a tasty meal. One example is canned tomatoes. Other examples are green beans and corn. Plus, canned goods are affordable and can boast great nutrition, too. But if you look in your pantry and see some cans that have passed their sell-by date, you might be wondering: How long does canned food last? Is it safe to eat canned food after the date written on the can? Don’t worry—we’re here to answer your questions so you can feel good about reaching for that trusty can of beans.
Curious how long foods last in the fridge or freezer, too? Weve got all the answers.
The truth about canned foods is pretty shocking, and it will make you feel a lot better about not having to eat and replace all your extra food every year or two. The USDA says that most foods that are shelf-stable will last forever as long as they are kept in good condition (that is, without rust, major dents, or swelling).
But that doesn’t mean the food will still taste and feel the same years after the expiration date. There are a few things that can shorten the shelf life of canned food, but as a general rule, foods that are more acidic will go bad faster, while foods that are less acidic will last longer.
Here’s a list of how long different kinds of canned food will last on the shelf and in the fridge after they’ve been opened, in case you’re wondering how long they’ll last without being opened.
Canned abalone can make for a delicious meal when you’re craving seafood but don’t have access to fresh abalone. Like most canned goods, abalone can usually be safely eaten for a period past the expiration date printed on the can—but how long past? Let’s take a closer look at what that expiration date really means how to tell if canned abalone has truly gone bad and how to store cans so they last as long as possible.
Understanding Expiration Dates on Canned Abalone
The expiration date stamped on a can of abalone refers to the date at which optimal quality and flavor are no longer guaranteed by the manufacturer It does not necessarily mean the abalone is unsafe to eat after that date,
Food manufacturers determine expiration dates by considering the shelf life of the product—the length of time they expect the food to retain peak quality and flavor when stored properly. For canned abalone, this shelf life is usually around 2-5 years from the packaging date.
The expiration date accounts for some margin of error in storage conditions. As long as the can remains unopened and intact, the abalone inside should retain quality and be perfectly safe to eat for some time beyond the marked date.
How to Tell if Expired Canned Abalone Has Gone Bad
While canned abalone keeps for quite some time, it won’t last indefinitely. Over time, the quality, texture, and flavor will deteriorate. Extremes of temperature and improper storage conditions will speed up this process.
Here are signs that canned abalone has spoiled and is unsafe to eat:
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Bulging can: If the metal can bulges or swells due to gas production from bacteria, do not eat the abalone inside. Bulging is a sure sign of spoilage.
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Damaged can: Dents, rust, or cracks allow air and microbes to contaminate the abalone. Do not eat from a damaged can.
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Leaking can: If you find sticky liquid or ooze coming from the can upon opening, throw the abalone away.
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Off odors: Discard canned abalone that smells unpleasant, sour, or sulfurous when you open it.
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Mold: Discard any cans with visible mold either inside the can or on the abalone.
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Very soft texture: High-quality canned abalone should be firm. If the abalone is mushy, stringy, or falls apart, do not eat it.
If you notice any of these warning signs, the abalone inside is likely spoiled and potentially harmful if consumed. Remember, just because a can of abalone is past its date doesn’t necessarily mean it’s unsafe—it’s these more overt signs of spoilage that you need to watch for.
How to Store Canned Abalone for Maximum Freshness
To get the longest safe shelf life out of canned abalone and minimize early deterioration in texture and flavor, follow these storage guidelines:
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Store cans in a cool, dry place: Ideal storage conditions are below 75°F and away from direct sunlight and moisture. Avoid warm, humid places like the garage or basement.
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Avoid temperature extremes: Do not freeze cans or expose to high heat, which can damage cans and accelerate food spoilage.
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Store cans off the ground: Place cans on shelving or pallets to protect from dampness or insects.
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Clean cans before opening: Wipe off sticky or dusty cans to avoid transferring dirt or bacteria into the opened can.
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Transfer used portions to airtight containers: Once opened, leftovers will keep longer if promptly transferred to a clean airtight container and refrigerated.
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Do not re-can opened abalone: Canned seafood does not re-can well at home due to pH and density concerns. Either freeze leftovers or discard them.
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First In, First Out: When restocking pantry shelves, rotate older cans to the front to ensure you use them first.
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Check for dents periodically: Dents make cans more prone to rust and damage. Consume dented cans quickly.
When stored using these tips, canned abalone should retain quality and flavor for at least several months past its stamped expiration date. But remember—once a can is opened, the clock starts ticking more quickly. Consume the contents within a few days for best quality.
What to Do If You’ve Eaten Expired Canned Abalone
Spoiled canned abalone can potentially cause foodborne illness if consumed. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and fever. Seek medical care if these symptoms persist or are accompanied by concerning issues like bloody stool, high fever, or signs of dehydration.
However, the risk is quite low if canned abalone is not visibly spoiled per the above guidelines. While quality degrades over time, the canning process kills pathogenic bacteria that cause food poisoning. Unless the can is damaged and new bacteria introduced, the contents are unlikely to make you sick.
Many people safely eat canned seafood months or years past the printed expiration date with no issues. But to maximize fresh taste and minimize any risks, it’s still wise to follow the guidelines here regarding damaged cans, off odors, soft texture, etc. When in doubt, remember the old adage—better safe than sorry.
The Bottom Line on Expired Canned Abalone
Thanks to the canning process, commercially packaged canned abalone has a long shelf life, retaining both safety and quality for some time past its printed expiration date—often up to 3-5 years, depending on storage conditions.
While the expiration date indicates when peak quality is no longer guaranteed, you do not necessarily have to strictly adhere to it. If the unopened can is in good condition and has been stored properly in a cool, dry place, the abalone inside should be perfectly safe to eat for quite some time.
Pay more attention to the overall condition of the can and the look, smell, and texture of the opened abalone itself. Only discard cans that are leaking, bulging, or damaged or contain abalone that appears or smells spoiled. With some common sense precautions, those last lingering cans in the back of the pantry can be safely enjoyed. Just remember—when in doubt, throw it out.
How long does canned food last after opening?
Well, once you open a can of food, make sure to put any leftovers or unused portions in the fridge. For best quality and flavor preservation, store it in a glass or plastic food storage container.
What do expiration dates indicate?
Over the years, many canned foods will experience taste and texture changes. The “use-by” or “best-by” dates that are often printed on cans are for quality, not safety. Sometimes, even healthy canned foods can lose some of their nutritional value over time. That’s why it’s best to eat different kinds of canned goods by a certain date.
Canned Food For Survival: Expiration Dates
FAQ
Can canned abalone be eaten after the expiry date?
How long is canned food good after the expiration date?
Can you eat canned fish after expiration date?