Open Cans

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Sheldon - 22 Mar 2006 18:04 GMT

Here's an answer from an expert on the safety of open cans. In this
case it was tuna fish or salmon. But the rules shouldn't change for
cat food.

>-----Original Message-----
>From:    Sheldon
>Sent:    Wednesday, May 12, 2004 12:31 PM
>To:    NFPA Public Comm
>Subject:    Open Cans of Tuna Fish in Fridge - OK?
>
>Hi:
>I've got a long standing disagreement with my Mom.
>Open a can of tuna fish or salmon. Use half. Put the original lid back on the fish or put plastic wrap on top. Put in fridge.
>Time use of leftovers in accordance with food safety rules.

>Is this Ok? I think so. Mom says you have take the leftovers out of the can and put in a bowl,
> cover and put in fridge. She's never been clear if this is a safety or a taste issue.
>I think that any problems with taste transfer when the can is open will be very small compared
>to when the can was sealed. And I don't see how this could be a safety issue.
>
>I've searched on the net. Can't find anything on topic. Probably my
>mom is wrong.
>What do you guys say?
>Thanks
>Sheldon

Subject: Tuna in the fridge
From: "Henry, Craig" <CHenryxxxxxxxxxxx@nfpa-food.org>
Date: Thu, 13 May 2004 16:28:30 -0400
Cc: "Vega, Lisa" <LVegaxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx@nfpa-food.org>

Dear Sheldon,
Whether you keep it in the original can or another container is a
matter of taste. Generally, it should not impart a different taste to
the tuna. The safety issue is only relevant to how clean the new
container is. Obviously, the intent should be to consume the tuna
once opened within 7 days. Keeping it covered is a good idea to
prevent any bacteria residing in your fridge from contaminating your
food more rapidly.

Hope this helps,

Regards,

Craig W. Henry Ph.D.
V.P. of Food Safety Programs
National Food Processors Assn.
1350 "I" St. NW
Washington, DC 20005
202-639-5983,

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Barb - 23 Mar 2006 17:07 GMT

Thank-you. That was most informative!

--
Barb
Of course I don't look busy,
I did it right the first time.

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Arubalisa - 23 Mar 2006 17:19 GMT

An open can of Tuna last exactly 2 minutes in our kitty household...
__
http://www.hoosierkitties.com Resource Links for You About Your Cat

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Ajanta - 24 Mar 2006 07:00 GMT

: Whether you keep it in the original can or another container is a
: matter of taste. Obviously, the intent should be to consume the tuna
: once opened within 7 days. Keeping it covered is a good idea to
: prevent any bacteria residing in your fridge from contaminating your
: food more rapidly.

To add from my experience with human as well as cat food (same problem,
same principle):

When you have the choice, use the smallest container that will
accommodate the food. The idea is for the food to be in contact with as
little air as possible.

For the same reason, if using saran wrap, push the top of it down all
the way to the food, again so there is least possible air left in
contact with the food.

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NanCe - 24 Mar 2006 18:51 GMT

>Dear Sheldon,
>Whether you keep it in the original can or another container is a
[quoted text clipped - 4 lines]
>prevent any bacteria residing in your fridge from contaminating your
>food more rapidly.

7 days? Wow, I didn't think tuna stored in the fridge lasted that long. I
would have kept it 4 days tops. Although with cats around, of course, no can
of tuna would last even for 4 days!

NanCe

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Anna - 24 Mar 2006 19:57 GMT

>Subject: Tuna in the fridge
>From: "Henry, Craig" <CHenryxxxxxxxxxxx@nfpa-food.org>
[quoted text clipped - 11 lines]
>Washington, DC 20005
>202-639-5983,

Interesting. If I ever have a can of tuna in the fridge for that long it's
good to know it's still edible . But just like everyone else, I doubt it'll
make it that long with kitties always around in the kitchen.

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