Expert: Carol Schlitt - 11/15/2007

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!

Carol