Eli5: how does canned food last so long while the can is sealed? Does it use preservatives?
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Cans have three advantages that help preserve food:
1. Cans block out light. Light, especially UV light, can cause chemicals in food to break down.
2. Cans are sealed against oxygen. Oxygen is a major cause of foods spoiling, so protecting the food from oxygen improves the life. The better the seal, the longer the food will last. Plastic wrap or bags protect against oxygen a bit, but glass or metal containers are much more air tight. Once the can is opened and oxygen gets in, the food can spoil fairly quickly.
3. Foods that are canned are usually sterilized, killing any bacterial in the food that could break it down or rot it. Until you open the can for the first time, there will be no bacterial action.
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