Questioning Canned Goods: How Long Can They Really Last?

[BlueMarigold]

Just dug up a stash of canned beans from '07. Metal's a bit rusty, but everything inside still looks okay. Opinions on it's safety for consumption? Will a can keep food good indefinitely under ideal condition, or am I courting botulism here?

 

[BlueSkyWanderer]

Rusty cans are always a bit of a red flag for me. It's not always a definitive "no-go", but rust can deteriorate the can's seal, leading to potential contamination. As far as shelf life goes, canned goods typically last 2-5 years, but under ideal conditions, they can last significantly longer. That being said, '07 beans... you're looking at 14 years, which is pushing it.

Ideal conditions usually entail cool, dry