Shelf Life Tips
- How long does a can of tuna last once opened? The precise answer depends to a large extent on storage conditions - keep opened tuna refrigerated and tightly covered.
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To maximize the shelf life of canned tuna (or tuna sold in a vacuum-sealed pouch) after opening, refrigerate in a covered glass or plastic container.
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How long does opened canned tuna last in the refrigerator? Tuna that has been continuously refrigerated will keep for about 3 to 4 days.
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Is canned tuna safe to use after the "expiration" date on the package? Yes, provided it has been stored properly, the package is undamaged, and there are no signs of spoilage (see below) - commercially packaged tuna will typically carry a "Best By," "Best if Used By," "Best Before", or "Best When Used By" date but this is not a safety date, it is the manufacturer's estimate of how long the tuna will remain at peak quality.
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To further extend the shelf life of opened canned tuna, freeze it: to freeze canned tuna, place inside covered airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
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How long does canned tuna last in the freezer? Properly stored, it will maintain best quality for about 3 months, but will remain safe beyond that time.
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The freezer time shown is for best quality only – canned tuna that has been kept constantly frozen at 0°F will keep safe indefinitely.
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How long does canned tuna last after being frozen and thawed? Canned tuna that has been defrosted in the fridge can be kept for an additional 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator before using; tuna that was thawed in the microwave or in cold water should be used immediately.
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How can you tell if opened canned tuna is bad or spoiled? The best way is to smell and look at the tuna: if the tuna develops an off odor, flavor or appearance, or if mold appears, it should be discarded.
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Discard all tuna from cans or pouches that are leaking, rusting, bulging or severely dented.
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Sources: For details about data sources used for food storage information, please click here
