Expert: Carol Schlitt - 7/2/2006

Question
Hello Carol,

We moved recently.  After about three weeks we found some canned goods in a box in the Sun Room.

Mostly soups and vegitables.  Some Tomato paste, etc.

The question is are they still safe to eat?

Thank you very much,
Kathy  

Answer
Hi Kathy,

Congratulations on your move.

The recommendation is to not store foods above 95 degrees F. Under these conditions, food will lose quality in a few weeks or months and may spoil.

While can goods ideally should be stored in cooler conditions, they are safe as long as the can looks no different than when you purchased it (no bulging, leakage, etc.) You should mark these cans with some identifying code and watch them for any signs of buldging.  That would be a signal that the heat got high enough to activiate food spoilage organisms.

So...keep an eye on these cans and use them quickly as they will not get better with age (only women do that!!)

Happy 4th.

Carol C. Schlitt
Extension Educator, Nutrition and Wellness
University of Illinois Extension