Why is My Canned Tuna Yellow?

Canned tuna is a pantry staple for many people. It’s affordable, shelf-stable, and versatile enough to be used in sandwiches, salads, pasta dishes, and more. However, you may have noticed that the color of canned tuna doesn’t always match what you’d expect from fresh tuna. While fresh tuna is typically red, canned tuna often has a beige, pink, or even yellow hue.

If you’ve opened a can of tuna and found the contents to be yellow, you may be wondering if it’s safe to eat. The good news is that yellow color alone does not necessarily indicate spoiled tuna. Read on to find out why canned tuna can turn yellow and how to tell if it’s truly gone bad.

Why Canned Tuna Turns Yellow

There are a few reasons why properly stored and processed canned tuna often has a yellow tint

1. Type of Tuna

Not all tuna is created equal when it comes to color. Skipjack and yellowfin tuna naturally tend to be lighter in color than bluefin or bigeye tuna. Since skipjack accounts for most commercially canned tuna, the yellowish hue is not unusual.

2. Canning Process

The high heat used during the commercial sterilization process can cause tuna’s natural red pigments to break down into duller, more yellow compounds. This reaction is enhanced by the presence of oil or water in the cans.

3. Oxygenation

Exposure to oxygen causes tuna to gradually lose its bright red color. Canned tuna usually contains oxygen inside the can, which leads to paler hues over time. Manufacturers sometimes treat tuna with carbon monoxide to help it retain the red color.

4. Freezer Burn

If previously frozen canned tuna experienced freezer burn, that can also impart a yellowish or brownish cast.

How to Tell if Canned Tuna Has Spoiled

While a yellow color alone doesn’t mean canned tuna is unsafe, there are other signs that do indicate spoilage. Watch out for these indicators that your canned tuna has truly gone bad

• Leaking Can: Cans with pinhole leaks or major bulging indicate bacteria got inside and spoiled the contents. Do not eat leaking canned tuna.

• Rust: If the can is extensively rusted on the inside, it could have holes that let in contaminants. Heavily rusted cans should be discarded.

• Off Odors: Older tuna develops an ammonia-like, foul, or rotten scent. Tuna past its prime may also smell sour or unusually fishy. Never consume tuna with an unpleasant odor.

• Mold: Growth of mold, slime, or foam inside aged cans shows they have been compromised and are unsafe.

• Discoloration: While natural yellowing is okay, distinct black, brown, or green spots signal decomposition.

• Textural Changes: Soft, mushy chunks or an overly slimy texture point to tuna gone bad.

• Expired Date: Outdated cans that are more than 3-5 years past their “best by” date should generally be discarded, even if appearance seems fine.

Whenever there is any doubt about the freshness of a can of tuna, remember it is not worth taking the risk. Tuna is inexpensive and easy to replace. Play it safe and throw away questionable canned tuna.

Maximizing Freshness of Canned Tuna

To help minimize premature discoloration and spoilage of canned tuna

• Store unopened cans in a cool, dry pantry away from heat and sunlight.

• Check “best by” dates and use oldest cans first.

• Refrigerate opened canned tuna in a covered container and use within 3-4 days.

• Inspect cans carefully before opening. Avoid heavily dented, rusted, or bulging cans.

• Use refrigerated leftover tuna promptly in sandwiches, salads, and casseroles.

• Freeze extra tuna in air-tight freezer bags for later use within 2-3 months.

• Purchase smaller cans if you won’t use larger quantities quickly.

• Never taste canned tuna that looks or smells suspicious – discard it.

By storing cans properly and following safe handling recommendations, you can feel confident enjoying canned tuna even if it has a yellowish tinge. But remember, when in doubt about the freshness, play it safe by throwing it out. With canned tuna’s low cost and versatility in recipes, you can easily open up a new can and whip up another tasty meal without worry.