AboutCarol Schlitt Expertise I can answer questions on home food safety, sanitation, home food preservation and commercial food safety (HACCP).
Experience I am an Extension educator, nutrition, wellness and food safety. I am a certified HACCP manager and a food safety instructor for the Illinois Department of Public Health.
Organizations International Association for Food Protection, American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (Certified CFCS), National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences, Society for Nutrition Education.
Education/Credentials BS - University of Illinois
MS - Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville
Question I have six children and like to buy some items in large (#10) cans so we can eat half then refrigerate the other half for a couple of days for another meal. Last night I was at work and my husband opened a can of peaches to have with dinner. This morning I found the other half of the can sitting on the counter. I was mad that I would have to throw away half a can of peaches but my husband said that they would be fine because they are sitting in syrup. I don't feel safe eating them or feeding them to my children but would like a 'professional' opinion.
Answer Hi Spring,
As you are aware, for maximum quality and safety, canned fruit once opened should be refrigerated. Fruits are low acid (with a pH below 4.6) and don't readily support the growth of harmful bacteria. Also, the sugar present in both the peaches and and syrup act as an additional inhibitor to bacterial growth. This is why fruit pies can be left out a room temperature even though for maximum safety and freshness it is recommended to refrigerate fruit pies. Mold is usually a more prevalent problem with fruits than food borne illness.
I would not, however, feed to young children foods left out of refrigeration even if they pose a minimal risk for food borne illness.
So...I do recommend not feeding the peaches to your children. If your husband feels lucky, let him eat them!
