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Refrigerate opened canned meat within 2 hours (within 1 hour if the temperature is above 90°F/32°C), then use it within 3 to 4 days. Reheat only the portion you need to 165°F (74°C), checking with a food thermometer. These are USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) recommendations for U.S. consumers.
How long does canned meat last after opening?
Opened shelf-stable canned meat is treated as a low-acid canned food: FSIS recommends keeping it refrigerated for 3 to 4 days. The same window applies to canned beef and shelf-stable canned ham after opening. The unopened pantry-storage life is a separate matter; for example, FSIS lists canned beef as lasting 2 to 5 years in the pantry. Once opened, follow the shorter refrigerated window. See FSIS leftovers and food safety guidance and its opened-can FAQ.
How to refrigerate opened canned meat
- Chill it promptly. Put the meat in the refrigerator within 2 hours of opening or serving. If the surrounding temperature is above 90°F (32°C), the limit is 1 hour. Discard it if it has been left out longer than the applicable limit.
- Use a shallow container for a large portion. Shallow portions cool faster than a large mass in a deep container. Keep the refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or below.
- Choose whether to transfer it. It is safe to refrigerate the food in its can, but FSIS says it retains better flavor when moved to a glass or plastic container. The container material is a flavor and convenience choice, not a safety requirement.
- Use or freeze it in time. Eat refrigerated leftovers within 3 to 4 days. If you will not use them within that period, freezing is an option. FSIS gives 3 to 4 months as a general best-quality interval for frozen leftovers; it does not separately specify an interval for opened canned meat.
How to reheat leftover canned meat safely
Heat the portion until it reaches 165°F (74°C) throughout. Use a food thermometer: steam or a hot surface does not show that the center has reached the target. Reheat just the portion you plan to eat when practical, leaving the rest refrigerated.
Microwave
- Put the portion in a microwave-safe dish and cover it.
- Rotate the dish or stir the food where practical to help distribute heat.
- Let it stand after heating, then check the temperature in several places with a food thermometer. Microwave ovens can leave cold spots; continue heating and recheck any area below 165°F (74°C).
Stovetop
Heat the portion in a pan, stirring where practical so it warms evenly. Check the temperature in more than one spot and continue heating until it reaches 165°F (74°C). FSIS provides no canned-meat-specific stovetop timing, so use the measured temperature rather than a set number of minutes.
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- Four (4) 4.5 oz cans of Swanson White Premium Chunk Canned Chicken Breast in Water
- Ready-to-eat, fully cooked chicken chunks
- Premium white chicken meat with no antibiotics or added MSG
- 98% fat free, gluten free and an excellent source of protein, with 12 grams in each 4.5-ounce can
- Eat it on crackers, add it to salads, or use it in any recipe that calls for diced chicken breast, such as buffalo chicken dip or chicken salad
What if you are not sure how long it was out?
Use the time limit as the deciding point: discard perishable food left unrefrigerated for more than 2 hours, or more than 1 hour when the temperature was above 90°F (32°C). If you cannot establish that the food stayed within those limits, the safe choice is to discard it rather than rely on smell or appearance.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Two (2) 12.5 oz cans of Swanson White Premium Chunk Canned Chicken Breast in Water
- Ready-to-eat, fully cooked chicken chunks
- Premium white chicken meat with no antibiotics or added MSG
- 98% fat free, gluten free and an excellent source of protein, with 15 grams in each 3-ounce serving
- Eat it on crackers, add it to salads, or use it in any recipe that calls for diced chicken breast, such as buffalo chicken dip or chicken salad
Rank #4
- Fully cooked, ready to eat meat chunks
- Gluten free and nutritious; perfect for a quick tasty meal
- 90 calories per serving
- 9 grams of protein per serving
- Gluten free and nutritious; perfect for a quick tasty meal
Rank #3
- DELICIOUS, CLASSIC TUNA: A true all-American classic, Chicken of the Sea tuna in water is perfectly seasoned with salt and packed in water for the freshest, best taste
- HIGH IN PROTEIN: The perfect high protein tuna for your active, healthy lifestyle; these non-GMO tuna cans feature heart-healthy omega-3s, vitamins, and minerals; with 23 grams of lean protein, it’s perfect for keto, paleo, and Mediterranean diets
- VERSATILE FLAVOR: Our wild caught, water-packed chunk light canned tuna in water is right at home in any recipe; add the canned fish to your favorite sandwich, wrap, rice bowl, pasta, salad, melt, dip, and beyond
- WILD CAUGHT: We’re doing our part to keep our seas healthy; our classic tuna salad cans contain only Marine Stewardship Council certified, 100% wild tuna; this 10-pack of tuna fish lets you stock up and save on delicious meals
- THE ONE FOR ME: Chicken of the Sea has been in business since 1914, providing wild caught tuna overflowing with flavor and packed with protein; our SeaChange sustainability plan has solutions for both people & the planet to support a better future for all
Rank #2
- Six 4.6 oz cans of Armour Star Original Vienna Canned Sausage
- Versatile, ready to eat canned sausages offer an easy meal
- Vienna sausage cans contain canned meat that is gluten free and made with chicken, beef and pork
- Eat right out of the can, add to recipes or serve as an appetizer
- Ready to eat meat in a can that doesn’t require any cooking
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