Know if your old cans are safe — in 10 seconds
Find a can with a faded date during your pantry cleanout? Get a clear verdict from FDA/USDA rules for your specific food, plus the exact spoilage signs to check before you eat.
Check Your Pantry Item
Physical Spoilage Signs
Always inspect cans for these signs before deciding. When in doubt, throw it out.
Bulging lid or ends
Indicates gas from bacterial growth (botulism risk). Discard immediately.
Deep dents on seam
Can compromise the seal. Discard if dent is on a seam or deep enough to lay a finger in.
Rust on can surface
Rust can create pinholes that let bacteria in. Discard heavily rusted cans.
Off-odor on opening
Foul or fermented smell means spoilage. Do not taste — discard.
Spurting liquid
Liquid spurts out under pressure indicates fermentation. Discard.
Your Pantry Audit Card
A running tally of your checked items for this session.
Local session only — not stored or sent to any server.
Data Sources & Limitations
Embedded FDA/USDA FoodSafety.gov shelf-life windows by category.
- Canned Meat & Poultry: 2-5 years
https://www.foodsafety.gov/food-safety-charts/canned-foods-storage-chart - Canned Vegetables: 1-2 years
https://www.foodsafety.gov/food-safety-charts/canned-foods-storage-chart - Canned Soup & Stew: 2-5 years
https://www.foodsafety.gov/food-safety-charts/canned-foods-storage-chart - Canned Fruit: 18 months-2 years
https://www.foodsafety.gov/food-safety-charts/canned-foods-storage-chart - Canned Fish & Seafood: 3-5 years
https://www.foodsafety.gov/food-safety-charts/canned-foods-storage-chart - Canned Beans & Legumes: 2-5 years
https://www.foodsafety.gov/food-safety-charts/canned-foods-storage-chart - Canned Tomatoes (high acid): 18 months
https://www.foodsafety.gov/food-safety-charts/canned-foods-storage-chart - Canned Broth & Stock: 2-5 years
https://www.foodsafety.gov/food-safety-charts/canned-foods-storage-chart - Canned Juice (Use By): 1 year
https://www.foodsafety.gov/food-safety-charts/canned-foods-storage-chart - Infant Formula (Use By): Use By date only
https://www.fda.gov/food/buy-store-serve-safe-food/baby-formula-storage
This tool provides general guidance based on FDA/USDA shelf-life data. Always inspect cans for physical spoilage signs. When in doubt, throw it out.