StillGood?
/
USDA-based guidance

USDA-based · How this page was made · Last reviewed August 31, 2026 · Sources ↓

A dented can is a decision, not a date

The answer

Do not buy or keep a can that is leaking, bulging, badly rusted, or deeply dented — a deep dent is one you can lay a finger into, especially on a seam. Never taste food from a suspicious can. You cannot see, smell, or taste botulinum toxin; a small taste can be deadly. Double-bag the can, put it in outdoor non-recyclable trash, keep it away from children and pets. A small dent on an otherwise sound can is not, by itself, a reason to discard (FSIS shelf-stable). Surface rust you can rub off is not the same as heavy rust with holes. Dates on shelf-stable food are quality, not safety, except infant formula. High-acid commercial cans: about 12–18 months quality. Low-acid: about 2–5 years if the can stays in good condition in a cool, dry place.

The printed date is usually about quality. The can’s condition is about safety.

What to discard on sight

FSIS steps-keep-food-safe: discard cans that are dented, leaking, bulging, or rusted. FSIS shelf-stable page adds the practical dent test: a deep dent is one you can lay your finger into; deep dents on a seam are especially dangerous. A small dent on an otherwise sound can is not, by itself, a reason to discard.

Heavily rusted cans can have tiny holes — discard them. Surface rust you can rub off with a finger or paper towel is not the same problem; if you open the can and find rust inside, do not eat the food.

Never taste food from a suspicious can. CDC: you cannot see, smell, or taste botulinum toxin; a small taste can be deadly. Double-bag the can, place it in outdoor non-recyclable trash, and keep it away from children and pets (FSIS / CDC).

Dates vs safety

Except for infant formula (and some baby food), dating on shelf-stable food is for quality, not safety. High-acid commercial cans (tomatoes, fruit, vinegar-based products): about 12 to 18 months unopened quality. Low-acid (meats, most vegetables, soups other than tomato): about 2 to 5 years if the unopened can stays in good condition in a cool, clean, dry place (FSIS).

“Keep Refrigerated” is not pantry-safe

Not every metal can is shelf stable. Canned ham labeled Keep Refrigerated is not pantry-safe. FSIS: store that type in the refrigerator for up to 6 to 9 months unopened. Shelf-stable canned hams (generally not over 3 pounds, no Keep Refrigerated label) follow the low-acid pantry window.

Home-canned food

Pressure-can low-acid foods. CDC: do not use an electric multi-cooker “canning” or “steam canning” button for canning. Before eating low-acid home-canned food, boil it 10 minutes at altitudes below 1,000 feet (add time for higher elevation per CDC / FSIS). This site does not publish canning recipes.

Honey and infants under 1 year

FSIS cites FDA, CDC, and the American Academy of Pediatrics: honey should not be given to children under 1 year of age because of infant botulism risk from spores. That is the federal / pediatric citation — not medical advice from this site.

Sources

Keep reading