For over a century now, refrigerators have helped food and drinks stay fresh and last longer, compared to leaving it all out at room temperature. While refrigerators can extend the life of some food and beverages, that doesn’t mean everything will stay fresh forever. There’s still a chance of spoilage if you don’t store food and drinks in the correct way. So, is it safe to store open cans in the refrigerator? The USDA says there’s some wiggle room. “Unused portions of canned food may be refrigerated in the can, but to preserve optimum quality and flavor, place the unused portion in a food-grade glass or plastic container. Use within four days.” Beware, though, that there are some drawbacks. Highly acidic foods like diced tomatoes might be more prone to leaching if kept stored in a metal can that’s had extended exposure to oxygen inside a refrigerator. Roughly 10% of steel cans and about half of all aluminum cans contain traces of BPA (Bisphenol A) — a chemical compound found in epoxy resin and polycarbonate plastic — in the lining. Some health risks associated with extended exposure to BPA may include cardiovascular disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and other ailments. The best way to avoid any issues is to transfer your leftover canned foods to a proper container. Your taste buds — and possibly your stomach — will thank you later.
