Is It Safe to Eat Expired Canned Tuna? Here's What Experts Say

It’s no secret that eating expired food can be a gamble for your health. When it comes to canned tuna—the second most popular fish in the U.S.—you might wonder if it’s safe to consume past its expiration date. To satisfy your curiosity, EatingWell spoke with a registered dietitian to help us explore the safety of eating expired canned tuna, the potential risks involved and how to identify if your canned tuna has gone bad. Additionally, we’ll provide tips on properly storing canned tuna to ensure its freshness and safety for as long as possible.

Does Canned Tuna Expire?

Unlike fresh foods, canned tuna has no definitive expiration date. Instead, it comes with a “best by” or “use by” date, which indicates the period during which the product is expected to maintain its best quality. The sustainable seafood company Alaska Gold says you can store canned tuna safely in a cool, dark space for up to five years.

While canned tuna can remain safe to eat well past its “best by” date, the flavor, texture and nutritional quality can decline over time. The USDA says factors like temperature, moisture and integrity of the can may affect the longevity of canned foods. That’s why it’s always a good idea to inspect the can for any signs of damage or spoilage before eating.

Can You Eat Expired Tuna?

Yes. (Whew, if you’re already midway through your tuna sandwich.) 

Canned foods typically have a long shelf life, often lasting several years past the printed date if they're stored in a cool, dark environment and the can remains sealed. The can’s expiration date usually indicates the point at which the manufacturer can guarantee the best quality, not necessarily when the food becomes unsafe.

In addition, canned is one of the best ways to consume tuna in the first place, says Angel Luk, RD, a registered dietitian and co-founder of Food Mysteries. “Canned tuna is safe to consume because most canned tuna is made from smaller, younger fish that is low in mercury. Fresh and frozen tuna often have higher levels of mercury because they are bigger and more mature and have more time in the ocean to accumulate mercury into their muscles,” she explains.

Potential Risks

While canned tuna can be safe to eat past its best-by date, here are some potential risks to keep in mind:

• Bacterial Growth: After you open it, canned tuna can be exposed to bacteria, especially if not consumed immediately, and bacteria can lead to foodborne illnesses. Eat canned tuna soon after opening or refrigerate it. Once opened, you can safely refrigerate a canned food for three to four days, per the USDA.
  
  
• Chemical Changes: Foods that are past their best-by date may have altered texture, flavor and nutritional quality. If the can of tuna you’ve opened looks or tastes unappetizing to you, it’s time to throw it away.
  
  
• Mercury Content: Although canned tuna contains relatively low amounts of mercury compared to larger fish, this neurotoxin can accumulate in body tissues over time and potentially lead to health issues like cognitive impairment, kidney damage and developmental delays in children. If this is a concern for you, limit mercury exposure by purchasing light meat canned tuna over white meat.

How to Tell If Your Canned Tuna Has Gone Bad

First, inspect the can for dents, rust or bulges. If the can appears compromised, don’t eat the tuna. After opening, give the tuna a good sniff. If you notice any off or sour odors, it’s a sign that the tuna has spoiled. Also, if the tuna is slimy, has an unusual consistency or has any discoloration or mold, don’t consume it.

And just because a can of tuna is on a store shelf, don’t assume that it’s OK to eat. “The advice for buying canned tuna is the same for purchasing all canned products: Do not buy cans that are dented, leaking, cracked or have bulging lids,” Luk advises. “These are all signs that harmful bacteria may have entered the product, making it unsafe to consume as it’s very likely to cause illness.”

How to Store Canned Tuna

Unopened cans of tuna should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. These storage conditions can help extend the can’s shelf life. Once opened, canned tuna should be transferred to an airtight container, stored in the refrigerator and consumed within a few days.

The Bottom Line

Canned tuna is generally safe to eat past its expiration (or “best by”) date if the can is intact and properly stored. However, you should always check for spoilage by inspecting the can for damage, smelling the tuna and checking its texture and consistency before consuming. When in doubt, discard any questionable cans of tuna to prioritize your health and safety.