Storing open can in refrigerator

These toxins attack the nervous system causing paralysis. But, a little anecdotal research quickly clears this myth up. Think of all the students the world over putting cans of beans in the fridge for days, even weeks on end. The bacteria that causes botulism is found in soil, dust, river, and sea sediments.

When these sediments are deprived of oxygen, they emit highly poisonous toxins. So if the food canning safety procedures have not been rigorous, sediment can produce this toxin. Accessibility Statement. Non-Discrimination Statement. Information Quality. Privacy Policy. New Farmers. Disaster Resource Center. Aaronut what I was taught is to not store anything open in the fridge. For preserved vegetables, it doesn't matter if they are in a tin can or in a non-reactive glass jar.

I don't close plastic-cup-closed-with-foil containers for yogurt, cream, etc. They make a nice, airtight seal. They're commonly used to cover dog food cans, so can usually be found where pet supplies are sold.

Show 1 more comment. Active Oldest Votes. Short answer: storing food in an open can is normally safe for a short period, but inadvisable. Improve this answer. Erica 8, 9 9 gold badges 58 58 silver badges 87 87 bronze badges. Bruce Goldstein Bruce Goldstein 2 2 silver badges 2 2 bronze badges.

Now clumsy-dancing white folk are going to put open cans of food into their fridges in a futile attempt to get da funk. I won't down-vote you for it, though. Am I correct in my reading that 1 is an issue only if the lining of the can is broken, and 2 and 3 are issues for any uncovered container of food, but not for cans covered in plastic wrap? If that's the case, it seems that storing food is a convenience that entails a small amount of risk, and it's not necessarily inadvisable.

I have the same question as Patrick. Just cover the can. Also, re 1: Wouldn't a major dent in the can be a problem regardless of whether it was stored in the fridge? If so, the scrape of a knife on a lined can seems like the only issue Since this is non-toxic and easy to detect by taste, it seems like an extremely low risk. I'd love to know if my thinking is correct on this.

I've done some more research. Here is what I now believe: 1 Opening the can introduces oxygen which in combination with any acid in the can, will react with the metal of the can. Add a comment. Jay Jay 11 1 1 bronze badge. Maria Maria 1. According to the Food Standards Agency, if your canned food has a shelf-life of less than two years, it will have a 'best-before date' on the label, or tin.

While you can eat the produce after this date, they might have lost some quality or nutrition, advises Lydia. The Food Standards website recommends that you should always check food containers for:.

As with all foods, care when handling is important says Dr McCoy, and says it's important to follow these rules:. Wash or wipe the top of the container before opening. This will prevent any bacteria getting into the opened food. Make sure that the surfaces you'll be preparing food on and the implements you are using are clean.

Keep your unopened canned foods at room temperature , ideally in the cupboard. If, when you open the tin and there is an unpleasant or unusual odour, if the contents have an unusual odour or colour, or if you notice that the inside of a metal container or lid is rusted, it's best to dispose of the contents. Food Safety Week is taking place between 6 to 12 November. Find out more here. Here are some handy tips on how to avoid food poisoning - and four foods to be particularly careful with.

Can you really be poisoned by green or sprouting potatoes?