Canning

ELI5 - How does meat stored in cans/packets not rot? How can canned tuna sit on a shelf for 2-3 years before it goes bad?

When food is canned, either in a metal can or a sealed jar, the container is first sanitized, and the food is sealed inside. After sealing, the entire package is heated to kill any remaining bacteria. This creates a vacuum environment where no new bacteria can grow, keeping the food fresh. This method applies whether it's beans, tuna, soup, or any other canned food. Because no bacteria can enter the sealed container, the food can't spoil. The expiration date on canned foods isn't about safety but about quality. Even after this date, the food typically remains safe to eat, though its taste and texture might gradually decline.

By Alex 12 days ago