Survival tip of the day

[Uncle Joe]

Is it safe to eat canned food past its' expiration date?

AI

In most cases, it is safe to consume canned food that has passed its expiration date, as long as the following conditions are met:

*Intact Can: The can should be free of dents, rust, or leaks.

*No Swelling: The can should not be bulging or swollen.

*Proper Storage: The food has been stored in a cool, dry place.

Canned food is typically processed to kill bacteria and preserve its contents. The expiration date usually indicates when the food may start to lose its quality (taste, texture, nutritional value) but not necessarily its safety.

However, there are some exceptions to consider:

*High-Acid Foods: Canned foods with high acidity, such as tomatoes, fruits, and pickles, may have a shorter shelf life and should be consumed within 12-18 months of the expiration date.

*Dented or Rusted Cans: These cans may have been compromised and should be discarded.

*Swelling: A swollen can indicates the presence of bacteria and should be thrown away.

If you are unsure about the safety of canned food, it is always best to err on the side of caution and discard it.

[Ocelot II]

1. Or don't rely on AI for accurate information.

The above might be correct but I'd check human sources before relying on AI for information about something that might kill me.

[Uncle Joe]

2. Absolutely If one can check with human sources, by all means, while keeping in mind the final sentence of the OP.

"If you are unsure about the safety of canned food, it is always best to err on the side of caution and discard it."

I don't take AI advice without qualification just as I wouldn't with most people.

[underpants]

3. True but there aren't any real expiration dates

Manufacturers put that on there to make the customer feel better. You don’t want some things years old but a lot foods (loaded with preservatives) last well past the expiration date on the package.

[progree]

4. A couple ways to kill AI in Google searches

some people say to stick "-AI" without the quotes in the search term. That's a minus sign in front of AI . This doesn't always work in my experience.

Another thing is after a search, to specify "Web" -- I find that option in the "More" item. And repeat the search. Future searches in the current session will be non-AI.

Just posting as general info on the AI subject.

[MIButterfly]

5. I go by "when in doubt, throw it out."

Having been the victim of food poisoning, I am very cautious about expiration dates and never eat anything past it.

As far as food goes, I don't care how long it took to prepare or how much it cost or whose feelings get hurt, if it doesn't look right, smell right or taste right, I refuse to eat it. It's just not worth 12 hours of laying on the bathroom floor crying and praying for death.

Better to be safe than sorry.