Is Frozen Canned Food Safe to Eat?
I accidentally left canned food in my car and the cans froze. Can I still use the food?
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It depends. Thaw the frozen canned food in the refrigerator. If you notice any off colors or odors after you open the thawed cans of food, discard the food. Do not taste it! Discard any cans that appear swollen or bulging; dispose of the damaged cans where no one, including animals, can get them. If the cans are okay after thawing, store them in the refrigerator, use them soon and heat vegetables thoroughly.
Julie Garden-Robinson, Food and Nutrition Specialist, NDSU Extension Service
Featured in Food Wise February 2017 newsletter (PDF)
