A stash of tinned goods is a sound basis for an emergency food supply, but watch the use-by dates.

A stash of tinned goods is a sound basis for an emergency food supply, but watch any use-by dates.

Question:

I’ve been cleaning out kitchen cupboards and decided it was time to replace my earthquake emergency supplies. There were several tins of baked beans, stews, soup and fruit. The tins were three or four years old. It seemed a shame to throw them out, so I wondered if I can give them to the local food bank? Is the food inside still edible or is it unsafe? I’m eating tinned fish from the same stores with no apparent ill-effects.

Answer:

Early in a new year is a great time to take stock and spend a little time planning, including for unexpected natural disasters. Earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, floods and storms can strike at any time, sometimes without warning, says Civil Defence on its website, getthru.govt.nz. So, what food is recommended for emergency supplies? Civil Defence advises having at least a three-day stock of food and water, which can include normal perishable foods in the fridge, such as fruit and vegetables, and non-perishable items, such as canned or dried goods.

Tinned fruit, vegetables, beans, fish and meat are good options. Remember, too, that if you have babies and small children in your household, you’ll need a minimum three-day stock of food, formula and drinks for them.

If you have a big household, buy large cans to be used in one meal. If there are fewer of you, buy smaller cans of food, as you might not be able to refrigerate leftovers if there is no electricity.

Water for drinking is essential, as tap water may not be safe or available. Allow at least three litres a person a day. You should also have water for washing and cooking. With a primus or gas barbecue to cook on and a can opener, you’ll be in good shape in an emergency.

Civil Defence recommends replacing the stored food and water every 12 months. You don’t need to throw the food out; use it and restock.

Canned foods are heat-treated after being washed, prepared and put in clean metal containers filled with fluid, such as salted or fresh water or fruit juice. The heat kills organisms that might spoil the contents or cause food-borne illnesses. Canned foods remain sterile until the vacuum seal is broken.

How long do tinned foods remain edible? In New Zealand, canned foods don’t need to have a best-before date if their shelf-life is more than two years, which means some are dated and some aren’t.

Obviously, without a date of manufacture or best-before date, it’s hard to keep track of the age of tinned goods. Generally, canned foods don’t change quality suddenly but degrade over time.

Foods that need to be eaten within a certain time for safety reasons do have a use-by date. Don’t buy or eat items past their use-by date.

Storing canned foods in a cool, dry

Generally, canned foods don’t change quality suddenly, but degrade over time.

place will maximise their shelf-life. Regularly replace your stocks, and don’t buy or use tins of food that are swollen, leaking, rusted, scratched, or dented or that have seam damage.

Canned food up to four years old is likely to still be in a usable condition. However, if it isn’t dated, common sense should prevail. Once the can is opened, any changes in product smell, colour or texture are an indication that it should be binned.