Plastic Spacers in Canned Goods

What’s the White Object Inside Some Cans of Food?

If you’ve ever opened a can of food and noticed a white plastic object inside, you might have been puzzled or even concerned. This phenomenon is not uncommon in the food canning industry, and the white object serves a specific purpose. Let’s explore what it is, why it’s there, and how it contributes to the quality of your canned food.

What Is the White Object?

The white object is a plastic insert or spacer. It is a food-grade, non-edible component designed to assist in the packaging and preservation of certain canned goods. These inserts are most commonly found in cans containing foods stored in liquid, such as beans in brine or fruits in syrup.

Why Is It Used?

The plastic spacer serves several important functions:

1. Keeps Food Submerged in Liquid
   The liquid inside the can, such as brine or syrup, is essential for preserving the food’s freshness, texture, and flavor. The spacer ensures that the food remains fully submerged, preventing it from drying out or discoloring.

2. Maintains Can Shape During Processing
   During the canning process, high heat and pressure are applied to sterilize the contents. The spacer helps the can retain its structural integrity, preventing it from collapsing or deforming under these conditions.

3. Improves Presentation
   By keeping the food submerged and evenly distributed, the spacer ensures that the product looks appealing when the can is opened.

Is It Safe?

Yes, the plastic insert is completely safe. It is made from food-grade materials that are designed to withstand the high temperatures and pressures of the canning process without releasing harmful chemicals. However, it is not edible and should be removed before consuming the food.

How to Handle It

If you encounter a plastic spacer in your canned food, here’s what to do:

1. Remove the Spacer
   Carefully lift it out of the can. It may be slippery due to the liquid, so you can use a fork or spoon if needed.

2. Drain or Rinse the Food
   If your recipe requires drained or rinsed food, pour the contents into a colander and rinse under cold water.

3. Dispose of the Spacer
   Discard the plastic insert in your recycling bin if it is accepted in your area.

Why Don’t All Cans Have This?

Not all canned goods include plastic spacers. Their use depends on the type of food, the packaging process, and the manufacturer’s practices. Foods that are more delicate or prone to floating, such as beans or certain fruits, are more likely to include spacers to ensure quality and consistency.

A Common but Overlooked Practice

The use of plastic spacers in canned goods is a practical solution to common challenges in food preservation and packaging. While it might seem unusual at first, it’s a clever way to ensure that the food you buy is fresh, visually appealing, and of high quality.

So, the next time you open a can and find a white plastic insert, you’ll know it’s there to help—not to harm. Simply remove it, enjoy your food, and appreciate the thought that went into its packaging!