Why You Shouldn’t Store Opened Cans in the Fridge
In the ultimate Bolognese sauce, a spoonful of tomato paste is a must. Often, just a little is enough to give the sauce a rich tomato flavor. But because you don’t need much, you often don’t finish the can and are left with some leftovers. Putting it back in the fridge after opening? Better not.
Worrying substance: BPA
Producers who sell food in cans are required to provide the inside of the aluminum with a protective coating. This coating ensures that products have a long shelf life. Convenient, but not entirely harmless. The protective layer contains the chemical substance bisphenol A, also known as BPA. A substance that, according to the European Court, is ‘of very high concern’.
Taking in too much BPA can disrupt hormone balance and increase the risk of various types of cancer, according to a 2015 Chinese study. The substance is also used in hard plastic bottles (polycarbonate).
Ban on BPA
But there’s no need to immediately run to your pantry to throw the cans in the trash. Because although the substance is dangerous and harmful, according to the Voedingscentrum, the health risks are negligible. That’s because we take in too little of the substance BPA. The study doesn’t say ‘too much’ for nothing.
That said, there are countries in Europe that have banned BPA in food packaging materials. Because it is not always clear whether the alternatives are safe, the Netherlands has not opted for a ban, but producers are being urged to reduce their use of BPA and develop safer alternatives to BPA. We can only hope that manufacturers comply.
Reduced flavor
Putting opened cans back in the fridge also has other disadvantages. When you open the can, air gets in, and oxygen can react with the metal of the can. This can cause, for example, tomato paste to develop a metallic taste, which does nothing for that Bolognese sauce.
Also read:
- 10 tips for keeping your food fresh for longer
- How long can you keep garlic?
- This is the best way to store Parmesan cheese so it doesn’t go moldy
Source: Quest, Voedingscentrum
