Why can't you leave canned food in the can after its open?

Question

I've noticed on food like canned pineapple for example it says place unused pineapple in a plastic or glass container and store in fridge. Other cans will read something such as store unused portion in a separate container.  Why can't you just put plastic wrap over the top and put it in the fridge?  If its so bad to store it in the can how is it not bad to have it in the can in the first place?

Jennifer · Accepted Answer

The cans are vacumned sealed, taking out all air and stored in room temperature, and this is very safe for them, they can last for years like that.

Once you open the can and break the vacumn seal and introduce air to the food, it changes the temper of the food.  Placing the can in the cold fridge can damage the lining of the can and cause it to go toxic.  The chemicals in the lining change when they are cold, and they become toxic, which can poison your food.

The air also causes the food to start rotting faster.

This is why you cannot place an opened can of food in the fridge.

Susan · Answer

Some Cans have a Lining, Like A Plastic Paint, In which if you cover is OK And yes you can be poisoned by leaving food in tin cans

Dale · Answer

it's safe to refrigerate canned foods manufactured in the United States directly in the can.

That said, the USDA still doesn't advise it. The reason is that canned foods will better retain their flavor and appearance if you transfer them to glass or plastic storage containers after opening.

Salt and Peppy · Answer

I believe it's botulism that you can get from acidic foods reacting with metal.

Anonymous · Answer

I believe the can rusts and you can get poisoned...at least thats what my mom told me.

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Why can't you leave canned food in the can after its open?

5 Answers