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
Are canned foods, ex. a can of green beans, safe to consume once opened and stored at room temperature. Are they potentially hazardous? Thanks.
Answer Hi Mike,
You should not consume opened canned foods that have been at room temperature for over 2 hours. While canned fruits left opened at room temperature are the least likely to become hazardous (they'll mold quicker at room temperature) canned vegetables and meats should be refrigerated as soon as possible as they both can support the growth of harmful bacteria.
