.Lie-nopoly, though still in full swing, its influence is vanishing.
“Oh the lies, the lies...” - “Astro”
More than 24 hours ago, I consumed a can of food dated 2006. Since then, I have consumed two others past their so-called expiration.I have tossed many cans of food past the stated expiration. Not anymore.I've now come to this realization: Unless the canned food looks or smells suspicious, I will not be concerned. Some will say you can't always see or smell spoiled food. I maintain my position for the following additional reasons.
On the one hand, we are told (scared to death), that with home canning, you must be extremely careful because it's just not as safe as commercial canning. Commercial canning has the process “down to a science” and can be trusted we are sold. The commercial process reaches temperatures sufficient to kill all microorganisms the story goes on to say.
On the other hand, we know home canned food can last for decades. Even so, we still allow ourselves to be deceived, that a commercial process, that is supposed to be ten times safer than home canning, has an expiration, much shorter than home canning. It is good that we have grief if we keep holding on to such beliefs. Do what you think is best.
Another thing we will be told is that it's the deterioration of the inside of the can, that is dangerous. Again, if a container is dangerous in the long run, it is also dangerous in the short run. For my purposes, as long as commercially-canned food is kept out of sunlight and in cool places, like kitchen cabinets or pantries, the same places I keep home canned foods, I will not be concerned after opening and inspecting.If there is any bacteria in a can of food 9 years past expiration, its presence would be noticeable. Shouldn't it? Answer based on natural sense not on what you've been told. If an organism is alive, it must have life processes and byproducts and these things should show themselves somehow to our sensing abilities.
I will continue to eat canned food (in jars or cans) from the back of the cabinet by inspecting and using immediately, within a few minutes after opening. This does not apply to stuff in the refrigerator. Analyze each situation yourself.
Can't Bring Me Down by The Astronomical Kid, “Astro”, Brian Bradley
