Whether it's the peaches on a cake or pineapple slices, canned fruits are often used. However, many people have misunderstandings about the production process, safety, and selection of canned fruits. This article will introduce the safety of canned fruits and provide tips for choosing them.Many people believe that canned foods can be stored for a long time because they contain preservatives. In reality, canned foods achieve long-term storage at room temperature through commercial sterilization, which kills microorganisms that cause disease and spoilage.Canned foods come in metal cans, glass jars, and sterilized pouches. Are different materials equally safe? Professor Minlong Cai explains that in terms of food safety, all these materials are safe and can be consumed with confidence.Common metal cans include tin-plated steel and aluminum cans, often used for highly corrosive foods. The interiors of these cans typically have epoxy resin coatings to separate the food from the metal, preventing heavy metal contamination. When choosing canned fruits, avoid those with bulging, rust, deformation, or corrosion.When buying canned fruits, always inspect the exterior and select cans that are intact and in good condition. If a can is bulging, rusted, deformed, or corroded, the food inside may have deteriorated or spoiled. Consumers can tap the can to check its condition; a hollow sound may indicate gas production from spoilage. After opening the can, check if the fruits and syrup have discolored or have unusual sediment. If they do, it's best not to consume them.Additionally, be aware that impacts can damage the interior coating of the can, leading to corrosion and spoilage. If a can gets dented, it's advisable to use it as soon as possible and not store it for too long. Remember, even though canned foods have a long shelf life, they are not "forever" foods. It's best to consume them soon after purchase to avoid eating expired products.
