{"id":415,"date":"2022-10-13T10:29:42","date_gmt":"2022-10-13T10:29:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kitchendodo.com\/?p=415"},"modified":"2022-11-23T10:56:21","modified_gmt":"2022-11-23T10:56:21","slug":"how-long-does-canned-tuna-last","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kitchendodo.com\/how-long-does-canned-tuna-last\/","title":{"rendered":"How Long Does Canned Tuna Last?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Canned tuna is a convenient, fast, long-lasting, and versatile food one can always fall back on. Does canned tuna go bad, though? Yes, it does<\/strong>. We did some digging for you and looked into every little detail, ranging from the benefits of canned tuna to its spoilage and expiry.<\/p>\n

In this article, we will let you in on all the information. So, if you want to find out about your storage choices and when it is time to look for other fish in the sea, keep reading!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0How long does canned tuna last?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"time\"<\/p>\n

While we do suggest reading the canned tuna label before purchasing (because the information and instructions differ), we will let you in on a secret. The dates specified on tuna cans, such as \u201cbest before\u201d or \u201cuse by,\u201d have more to do with the quality of canned tuna rather than food safety.<\/p>\n

Canned tuna, if undamaged and properly stored, comes with a shelf life of 2-5 years<\/strong> (the average being four<\/a>). However, once the can is opened, the shelf life for consumption reduces to 3-5 days. <\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

How to tell if your can of tuna has gone bad (before or after the expiration date)?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

 <\/p>\n

Quick external check<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Even before you open and check the can, inspect it<\/strong> from the outside. If the tuna can is visibly spoiled and you see that it is broken, swollen, rusted, or leaking (we\u2019re sure you get the idea), we recommend saying bye to the can.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Smell it<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"smell\"<\/p>\n

The next step is getting a little closer to the contents. Open the can (the process ends here if you hear a loud hissing sound<\/strong> while opening the can) and sniff it<\/strong>. If it smells fishy <\/em>(acidic or just off) more than it smells like fish (and oil), throw it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Texture<\/strong><\/h3>\n

We want you to look<\/strong> at the fish thoroughly. If there is a layer of bubbles, mold, slime (that is not oil or any other preservative), or a sticky texture<\/strong>, discard the canned tuna.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Color<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Feel free to get a little racist in this case and do judge your tuna by its color<\/strong>. The tuna in the can needs to be pink or reddish-light brown. What will tip you off? Colors such as green, dark brown, and even black. Even if it is just spots or minor discoloration, you know what to do.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Taste<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"taste-test\"<\/p>\n

Taste it<\/strong>. We don\u2019t want you to make an entire sandwich out of it \u2013 we only want you to ingest a small amount. The taste of tuna is the easiest way to tell if your canned tuna is consumable. If the taste is bad or acidic or doesn\u2019t feel right, it is time tu-not <\/em>keep it around.<\/p>\n

Author\u2019s note<\/strong>: live by this motto, \u201cWhen in doubt, throw it out.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

What happens if you eat spoiled tuna from a can?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"stomach-pain\"<\/p>\n

If you manage to eat the canned tuna after not noticing any of the signs mentioned above (and the awful taste), there will be certain side effects, no matter how much you cooked the spoiled tuna.<\/p>\n

The worst-case scenario is food poisoning<\/strong>. We suggest looking out for symptoms such as nausea, fever, fatigue, stomach cramps, etc.<\/p>\n

Moreover, there is also the possibility of contracting a poisoning specific to fish (known as scombroid poisoning<\/strong>). The symptoms include effects such as diarrhea and blurred vision.<\/p>\n

Author\u2019s note – <\/strong>If you experience any symptoms or sheer discomfort, we\u2019d suggest taking rest and staying hydrated, and if it is a severe case, the only cure is by going to the doctor.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Can you freeze canned tuna?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Yes, freezing canned tuna is an option that will make your tuna last longer (up to three months)<\/strong>. But this area is a little tricky.<\/p>\n