Every product is independently reviewed and selected by our editors. If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.
When it comes to food safety and storage, we often focus on perishable items like dairy, meat, and vegetables. However, have you ever wondered about the safety of canned food when left in a hot car?
In this article, I will explore whether it’s safe to leave canned food in a hot car, the potential risks involved, and the best practices for preserving your canned goods.
Can Canned Food Be Left In Hot Car?
No, canned food should not be left in a hot car for an extended period. Extreme heat can negatively impact the quality and safety of canned food.
High temperatures in a car can cause the following issues:
Food Spoilage
Excessive heat can accelerate the breakdown of food, leading to spoilage. Canned goods may become discolored, develop off-flavors, and lose their nutritional value.
Bacterial Growth
Heat can create an environment conducive to bacterial growth, which increases the risk of foodborne illness if consumed.
Can Integrity
Prolonged exposure to high temperatures may weaken the seals on canned food, potentially allowing contaminants to enter the cans.
Chemical Reactions
Some canned foods, particularly those containing acidic ingredients, can react with the can lining if exposed to extreme heat, affecting the taste and safety of the food.
To ensure the safety and quality of canned food, it’s advisable to store it in a cool, dry place at temperatures between 50°F (10°C) and 70°F (21°C).
Also Read: Can Canned Tuna Be Left In Hot Car? Answered
How long can you leave canned foods in a hot car?
Leaving canned foods in a hot car is not recommended, as extreme heat can compromise their quality and safety.
The duration for which canned foods can be left in a hot car before potential issues arise can vary depending on several factors:
Temperature: The actual temperature inside the car matters. Canned foods are more likely to be affected if the car’s interior temperature becomes extremely hot, such as during a heatwave.
Canned Food Type: Some canned foods may be more resilient to heat than others. However, it’s generally not advisable to leave any canned food in a hot car for an extended period.
Packaging: The quality and integrity of the can, including the seal, can influence how long canned food can withstand heat without issues.
Sun Exposure: If canned food is exposed to direct sunlight, it can heat up more quickly and potentially be affected sooner.
While there isn’t a specific time limit that universally applies, it’s best to avoid leaving canned foods in a hot car for extended periods, especially during hot summer days. If you must transport canned goods in a hot car, try to minimize the time they spend in those conditions.
Also Read: Can Unopened Mayonnaise Be Left In A Hot Car? Answered
Tips for storing canned food in a hot car?
Storing canned food in a hot car is not advisable, as extreme heat can compromise the quality and safety of the food.
However, if you must transport canned goods in a hot car for a short period, here are some tips to minimize potential issues:
Use a Cooler: Place your canned goods inside a cooler with ice packs or frozen gel packs to help maintain a cooler temperature. This will provide some insulation against the heat.
Park in Shade: If possible, park your car in a shaded area to reduce the direct impact of sunlight and heat on the interior.
Short Transport Time: Try to minimize the time canned food spends in the hot car. The longer it’s exposed to high temperatures, the greater the risk to its quality and safety.
Cover with Blankets or Towels: Covering the canned goods with blankets or towels can offer additional insulation and protection against direct heat.
Keep Windows Cracked: Leaving the windows slightly cracked can help ventilate the car and prevent it from becoming excessively hot. Just ensure that security is not compromised.
Plan Ahead: Whenever possible, plan your grocery shopping or food transportation during cooler parts of the day to reduce the impact of heat.
Avoid Extreme Heat: Do your best to avoid storing canned food in a car when extreme heat is expected, such as during heatwaves. Extreme heat significantly increases the risk of food quality and safety issues.
Also Read: Can Unopened Juice Be Left In A Hot Car? Answered
Does heat affect the quality and nutritional value of canned food left in a car?
Yes, heat can indeed affect the quality and nutritional value of canned food left in a car. When canned food is exposed to high temperatures, especially for an extended period, several changes can occur:
Quality Changes: Heat can lead to changes in the texture, color, flavor, and overall quality of canned food. This can make the food less appealing and enjoyable to eat.
Nutritional Degradation: Prolonged exposure to heat can cause some essential nutrients in canned food to degrade. Vitamins, such as vitamin C and certain B vitamins, are particularly sensitive to heat and may experience significant losses over time.
Texture Changes: High temperatures can result in changes to the texture of canned food, making it mushy, overly soft, or disintegrated.
Off-Flavors: Heat exposure can sometimes lead to the development of off-flavors in canned food, making it taste different from what you’d expect.
Can canned food go bad in heat
Yes, canned food can go bad in heat, especially when exposed to prolonged high temperatures. Extreme heat can lead to spoilage, with changes in color, texture, odor, or the development of mold and off-flavors.
Additionally, it can create an environment conducive to the growth of harmful bacteria, raising the risk of foodborne illness.
Prolonged heat exposure may also weaken the seals on canned food, potentially allowing contaminants to enter the cans and compromising food safety.
Conclusion
While canned food is known for its long shelf life and durability, it is not immune to the detrimental effects of extreme heat. It’s best to prioritize food safety by avoiding leaving canned food in a hot car for extended periods, especially during heatwaves. When in doubt, it’s safer to consider canned food potentially unsafe for consumption if it has been exposed to high temperatures for an extended time.
To preserve the quality and safety of your canned foods, store them in a cool, dry place within the recommended temperature range of 50°F (10°C) to 70°F (21°C).
References
- https://www.rd.com/article/why-you-should-never-leave-food-in-the-car/
- https://www.thedonutwhole.com/are-canned-goods-ok-in-a-hot-car/
- https://www.usda.gov/media/blog/2013/06/27/you-toss-food-wait-check-it-out
- https://extension.usu.edu/preserve-the-harvest/research/storing-canned-goods
- https://www.primalsurvivor.net/canned-food-shelf-life/
