I try to not let things in cans go too much past the "use by" date, but I did open a can of coconut milk a few weeks ago that had a use by date of sometime in 2006 and it was fine. I think it depends on the storage conditions--if things are stored someplace where it gets very warm--like a garage in AZ, they won't last as long. Also maybe what kind of food--tomato products come to mind here.
While in boot camp in 1971 we ate K rations dated 1942 from tins. Probably didn't taste much different than when fresh. Pretty ordinary.
posted by JwB58
over 2 years ago
I think a lot has to do with the acidity of the contents. Any food left at the south pole was also frozen food, too, probably. :)
Personally, I don't like the taste of canned foods that are very old...
I have used canned goods older than the date. However, I throw away anything dented or deformed in any way or if it looks rusty.
I think a lot of the "use-by" dates for canned food are for quality. Definitely check the condition of the can. If anything else looks suspicious, I'd err on the side of caution. I once opened a can of tomatoes that were getting up there in age but not past the date and it fizzed out a little. The can was in good condition--not bulging or damaged but I didn't use them just in case.
It's a hit or miss situation... as usual the best test for this is, as I have stated before..."your nose knows!".
My Dad was a grocery store manager while I was at home; he would bring many dented and unlabeled cans home for our use, long before the dating on them. Rarely did we ever find a spoiled one. His rule was to shake the can and if the contents moved around inside, it should be okay! Never, ever open a bulging can!
