Is canned food safe to eat after a flood or storm?
Discard metal cans if waters contain chemical waste. Otherwise, examine cans and destroy ones that are swollen, leaking, dented on the seams, or badly dented anywhere. If the can is rusty, wipe off the rust if you can and disinfect the cans by the following methods:
- Remove and throw away labels (keep track of what is in the cans)
- Wash cans in hot, soapy water.
- Rinse cans in chlorine disinfecting solution (2 cup household bleach/dishpan of warm water).
- Rinse in clear water.
- Let cans air dry.
- Relabel cans.
- Use as soon as possible.
Publications
News
EGYPT, Miss. -- On hot days, Robert Thompson’s beef cows used to retreat to a cluster of trees in the middle of his pasture for shade.
STARKVILLE, Miss. -- After natural disasters, food and shelter are prioritized well above mental health, but ignoring emotional distress can lead to serious physical health conditions.
STARKVILLE, Miss. -- A Mississippi State University Extension program coordinator will serve as chair of the Extension Disaster Education Network, EDEN, for a two-year term.