Food safety question - canned food?

Question

Why does it always say on a canned vegetables that "refrigerate unused portion in a separate covered container"?

Why can't I refrigerate the unused portion in the can itself, uncovered?

Answer 1

Once the can has been open the tin will begin to oxidise and germs can develop around the lip.

Answer 2

I had to respond to the botulism comments. Botulin grows in the absence of oxygen, like in sealed cans. That is why improperly canned food can be dangerous. The food must be processed hot enough and long enough to kill the bacteria.

To answer your question, the key is covered container. It is not that the can is a bad container it is covering the food to limit exposure to air. Using aluminum foil to cover the can is ok but acidic foods react with the aluminum and can give a bad flavor and it does not seal very well. If you want to store the food in the opened can it would be best to buy the plasitc covers made for cans. Funny that you usually only see these in the pet food isle. The are fine to use. The food can be stored as you would for any fully cooked food.

Answer 3

Charles has properly nailed this one for you.

There is a taste issue, in that once open, with certain canned produce, for instance green beans, the access to oxigen and the already slight acidity of the canning liquid inherent in the beans themselves (even when covered by a plastic can cap), can cause metallic tainting from an interaction with the can liner too. (This isn't rust, however.) This doesn't affect safety so much as enjoyability, in which case decanting the left-overs to a non-reactive container can avoid such a potential taint.

Answer 4

Once opened, cans will start to oxidise (rust), especially with acidic foods like tomatoes, and can impart a yucky tinny taste to the food. Never store food uncovered, as bacteria floating around can then contaminate and grow in that food, even in the fridge.

Answer 5

There is a kind of bacteria that is associated with metal cans called botulism. I think maybe if you were going to use the remaining portion within a couple hours you might be ok, but any longer than do as the package indicates.

Answer 6

the belief is basic with food protection. agencies decide to make funds. as a result they gained't do something that ought to harm their acceptance and gross sales circulate. they have each incentive to offer a solid risk-free product that people want. As for environmental i'm no longer so specific. The enforcement of aspects rights regulation must be used to denationalise environmental protection yet given the state of affliction in our criminal equipment it would be unwell reported to objective it at recent time.

Answer 7

it's because it somehow has to do with Oxygen and Metal becoming rust and I don't think you'd like that in your food. Coz when it was sealed,, oxygen was not present in the can.

Answer 8

you'd probably be fine but your food will start to taste metallic.

Answer 9

POISEN....contamination...never do it