IS IT SAFE TO LEAVE AN OPEN CAN IN THE FRIDGE?

IS IT SAFE TO LEAVE AN OPEN CAN IN THE FRIDGE?

It is a common gesture in thousands of homes around the world. We open a can and if there is leftover food we keep it in the fridge covered with plastic wrap for later use. It is the most comfortable, quick and easy thing to do, but this simple and habitual gesture of our daily life could cause us some problems. Are we really at risk?

Cans used to store food and beverages are metal containers made mostly of aluminium and rust-resistant rolled steel. That’s why storing them in the pantry for months, as long as they are away from heat and sunlight, is safe. But when we open a can and we don’t use up all the contents, the metal container loses its vacuum and sterilizing capacity. Be careful, there may be some risks that are best avoided, such as the growth of bacteria, fungi and even Clostridium botulinum, toxins that cause botulism.

That is why it is not advisable to leave the food inside the can once the package has been opened. Once the can is opened, it is advisable to empty the remaining product into a clean plastic container, preferably glass, cover it tightly and put it in the fridge. Doing it this way will also prevent organoleptic changes, such as the typical metallic taste or oxidation.

A tomato sauce, for example, can react with the metal rim of an open can and seep into the food, giving it a metallic taste. This tends to happen especially with more acidic foods, such as tomatoes and pineapple. Also, the combination of acidity and oxygen creates a reaction that coats the can with a gray-black material, which can be released into the food. This, although unpleasant, is not always dangerous. This is an oxidation process that only affects the aesthetic aspect.

In addition, the food can dry out and absorb other flavours as the lid of the metal container does not fully protect it and the food is still exposed to the air as it is not well sealed. In addition, another factor, if there are juices, such as a can of pickle, can fall on the shelf of the refrigerator, thus generating a problem of contamination with microorganisms to other foods.

Once opened, canned foods can be stored in a separate container in the refrigerator for up to three to four days. It is also advisable to keep them in their original broth or liquid, as we often throw it down the sink, but it is preferable to include it in the container that we put in the fridge for optimum preservation.