How long can you safely keep canned food?

Date updated: January 25, 2007
Content provided by MayoClinic.com
Sarah, Minnesota

Commercially prepared canned food has a fairly long shelf life. The length of time that you can safely keep canned food depends on the type of food. You can store high-acid foods, such as tomatoes and fruit juice, for up to 18 months. Low-acid foods, such as vegetables and meat, can be stored for two to five years.
Always check the expiration date on canned food. Food dating isn't required by law but is done voluntarily by food manufacturers. So, a retailer may legally sell foods past the expiration date on the can as long as the product is wholesome.
Be sure to examine cans before purchasing. Do not purchase or open cans that are dented, leaking or bulging or show any signs of tampering - which can indicate a serious food poisoning threat. Also, don't use canned food that spurts liquid or has a foul odor when you open it. In such cases, throw the can and the food away. These guidelines apply to home-canned foods as well.