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'm going backpacking soon and am wondering how long
canned foods (like fruit, chicken, tuna) will last out of the
can and without refridgeration?
Answer Hi Jeff,
The general rule of thumb for potentiall hazardous foods (meats, dairy, eggs) is 2 hours. Once you open a can of tuna or chicken, you should say to yourself -- "I have 2 hours to either eat this product or find a way to keep it cold."
Canned fruit is not a potentially hazardous food so it can be out longer without refrigeration. Mold is the bigget problem with canned fruit left out without refrigeration. I don't find any maximum recommendations on how long open canned fruit is safe, however a common sense rule would be to use all opened canned fruits within 24 hours.
I hope this helps Jeff -- have fun backpacking.
Carol C. Schlitt
Extension Educator, Nutrition and Wellness
University of Illiois Extension
