Expert: Carol Schlitt - 7/22/2006

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