How To Sanitize Food Cans

Key points

  • After flooding, some food and drink items are unsafe and must be thrown out. But undamaged, commercially prepared food in all-metal cans can be made safe.
  • Remove the labels, thoroughly wash, rinse, and disinfect the containers with a sanitizing solution of one cup of bleach and five gallons of water.

Script

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This is an important message from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. After flooding, some food and drink items are unsafe and must be thrown out. But undamaged, commercially prepared food in all-metal cans can be made safe. Remove the labels, thoroughly wash, rinse, and disinfect the containers with a sanitizing solution of one cup of bleach and five gallons of water. Re-label and include the expiration date. To learn more, call 1-800-CDC-INFO.