Metal food packaging is one of the oldest and most reliable preservation systems in the world. Yet many consumers still wonder whether it is truly safe and whether canned food can be part of a healthy, balanced diet. In this article, we set the record straight with facts and data.
Is canned food bad for you? Busting the myth
The question “Is canned food bad for you?” is one of the most searched online, often fuelled by inaccurate information. The reality is quite different: the canning process, based on thermal sterilisation, eliminates bacteria and pathogens, ensuring a safe product without the addition of artificial preservatives.
Numerous scientific studies confirm that canned foods, when produced in compliance with current regulations, pose no health risks. The real concern in the past was the presence of BPA (bisphenol A) in internal coatings and closures. Today, most manufacturers have eliminated this substance, adopting certified alternative materials that comply with European regulations.
The nutritional benefits of canned foods
Contrary to popular belief, canned food retains a highly respectable nutritional profile. The sterilisation process takes place immediately after harvesting, meaning that vitamins and minerals are “locked in” at the moment of peak freshness.
Some foods, such as canned tomatoes or tuna, even show higher concentrations of lycopene and omega-3 compared to fresh versions processed after days of transport and storage. A diet that regularly includes quality canned foods can therefore be nutritious, practical, and economical.
Food safety and metal packaging: what does science say?
Metal food packaging (steel and aluminium above all) is subject to rigorous regulatory controls at the European level. Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004 establishes that all materials in contact with food must be safe and inert, that is, they must not transfer harmful substances to food.
Modern internal coatings in tins are designed to withstand the acidity of foods and prevent any form of contamination. The result is a reliable preservation system, tested and approved by the leading international health authorities.
Furthermore, the European regulatory framework has recently been significantly strengthened. Coming into force on 20 January 2025, Regulation (EU) 2024/3190 bans bisphenol A (BPA) from the coatings used in tins for soft drinks, tomato preserves, peas, and tuna.
BPA is a chemical considered an endocrine disruptor; its removal from food packaging therefore represents an important step forward in protecting consumer health. A transitional period has been put in place to allow manufacturers to bring their metal packaging in line with the new regulation. In the meantime, look for the “BPA Free” label on packaging, which signals a manufacturer’s voluntary compliance with the new European standard.
Sustainability: metal food packaging as an eco-friendly choice
One of the most compelling aspects of sustainable food packaging concerns metal itself. Steel and aluminium are 100% recyclable, infinitely so, with no loss of quality. Across Europe, the recycling rate for steel tins exceeds 80%, a figure that few other materials can match.
There is also another frequently overlooked benefit: the long shelf life of canned foods significantly reduces food waste, one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. Choosing canned food, then, is not only convenient, it’s also the responsible choice.
Practical tips when choosing canned food
To make informed choices when it comes to food packaging, here are a few useful tips:
- Read the label: opt for products with few ingredients and no unnecessary additives.
- Check certifications: choose brands that declare the absence of BPA in their coatings.
- Vary your diet: combine canned foods with fresh, seasonal produce.
- Store correctly: once opened, transfer the contents to glass or stainless steel containers.
Metal food packaging, when chosen carefully, is a valuable ally for a practical, safe, and sustainable kitchen.
To produce quality metal packaging, it is essential to keep up to date with state-of-the-art machinery and the latest regulations.
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