Is it Safe to Leave Canned Food Leftovers in the Can?

 

Question: I have some leftover canned chicken broth. Is it safe to store an opened can of food in the fridge?

Answer: From a safety standpoint, the answer is yes. The  United States Department of Agriculture says it's safe to refrigerate canned foods manufactured in the United States directly in the can.

That said, the USDA still doesn't advise it. The reason is that canned foods will better retain their flavor and appearance if you transfer them to glass or plastic storage containers after opening.

As detailed here, you may store the opened chicken broth in the refrigerator for 4 to 5 days, or freeze it for longer-term storage.

 

See Also:

Is it Safe to Put Hot Food In the Fridge?

Should You Store Bread on the Counter or in the Fridge?

Power Outages: How Long Does Food Last in the Fridge and Freezer?

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