Is It Safe to Feed Old Canned Goods to Your Children?
Recently, you might have stumbled upon a can of chicken noodle soup that expired in 1969. The question then arises: is it safe to feed it to your children or yourself? While the temptation to try it out might be strong, it is crucial to understand the risks involved. In this article, we will discuss the dangers of consuming expired canned goods, the history of food dating, and how to safely inspect a suspicious can.
The Risks of Consuming Expired Canned Goods
Consuming canned goods long after the expiration date can pose significant health risks. Canned foods, although sealed, have a limited shelf life due to the risk of bacterial contamination and degradation of food quality. Old cans may facilitate the growth of harmful bacteria that thrive in anaerobic conditions (without oxygen). This can lead to potential poisoning, illness, and even death in extreme cases.
Historically, there are documented cases where individuals consumed aged canned goods with serious consequences. For instance, a story was shared about a person who died after eating very old canned mushrooms with a tiny pinhole in the seam, indicating a potential breach in the can's seal. This serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with consuming old canned foods.
Understanding Food Dating and Shelf Life
The concept of food dating began to evolve in the early 1970s. Before that period, many canned foods, including dairy products, were not date-labeled for consumer use. Instead, they were coded for retailer use only. During the early 70s, open-dating was introduced by consumer associations' efforts to improve transparency and consumer safety. Food dating, therefore, became more accessible, but the interpretation of dates varied.
A 1969 can of chicken noodle soup might have had a production code that was unreadable to consumers. This code was not an "expiry date" but a production date, indicating when the can was manufactured. It is important to note that even if the soup contained no visible signs of spoilage, such as mold or off-odors, it is still not advisable to consume food that has been stored for such a long period.
Safe Inspection and Handling of Suspicious Cans
If you come across a can of food that looks suspicious, there are several steps you can take to ensure your safety:
Inspect the can for any signs of damage, such as dark stains indicating slow leakage or corrosion, perforation, or discoloration. Reject the can if you notice any of these.
Ensure that the ends of the can are concave and cannot be pressed in or flipped. A dented or bulging can is a sign of contamination.
Shake the contents and listen to the sound. Water shaken in a vacuum produces different slushing sounds compared to contents without a vacuum seal. If the sound seems unusual, reject the can.
Open the can, ensuring that the air rushes in and not outward. If air rushes outward, reject the can. Slow air intake or expulsion is a sign of contamination.
Inspect the lining of the can, especially the seams, for corrosion. A bright lining without white or amber lacquer indicates a healthier can. If the lining is discolored or corroded, reject the can.
Smell the contents. If it does not smell like chicken soup, reject the can.
At this stage, if you are scientifically inclined and want to taste it, you can do so by bringing it to the boiling point for 2 minutes, as harmful bacteria may not survive this temperature. However, caution is advised, and it is best to err on the side of caution.
Contacting the Manufacturer
Contact the manufacturer if you are certain about the can's condition. They may be interested in hearing about the survival of their products for such an extended period, especially if it is 54 years or more. This could be valuable data for their quality control efforts.
Overall, while the prospect of tasting ancient canned goods can be tempting, the risks to your health far outweigh any curiosity or nostalgia. Always prioritize food safety and seek alternative, fresh, and properly stored food sources to ensure the safety and well-being of you and your family.