A common kitchen habit could be putting your health at risk, a doctor has warned - and most of us do it without a second thought.
In a recent TikTok, an occupational and environmental medicine physician from San Diego named Dr Ashley Ennedy issued a warning about the dangers of storing leftover canned food in its original container.
This everyday food storage mistake is far more hazardous than most people appreciate, with the potential for harmful bacteria to multiply once the tin's protective seal is broken.
"Do not put open cans in the fridge. It is one of the most common food safety mistakes; people don't even realise that they're making," Dr Ennedy warned.
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Exposed metal begins reacting with the contents of food in the fridge
|GETTY
The doctor explained that when you leave an open tin in the fridge, the exposed metal begins reacting with the contents, particularly problematic with acidic foods such as tomatoes, pineapple and beans.
What's more, once you've opened a can, it's no longer airtight. This allows bacteria to multiply more rapidly, while the food can dry out and take on unpleasant fridge odours.
The solution is simple, according to Dr Ennedy, who advises: "You've got to transfer your leftovers to a glass or plastic airtight container."
This straightforward switch helps prevent the metal from reacting with your food while maintaining proper storage conditions.
By using proper containers, you'll avoid bacterial growth and keep your leftovers fresh without the risk of contamination or unwanted flavours.
It's a small change to your kitchen routine that could make a big difference to food safety - and it only takes a few seconds to transfer those leftover beans or tomatoes into a proper container.
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This warning comes just days after Dr Ennedy highlighted another tin-related danger that could have devastating consequences.
She cautioned that damaged cans, especially those with dents around the edges, can harbour deadly bacteria.
When a tin's protective seal is compromised, it creates the perfect environment for Clostridium botulinum bacteria to thrive.
These bacteria produce botulinum toxin, which causes botulism - an extremely serious type of food poisoning that attacks the nervous system.
Dr Ennedy recommends storing food in airtight containers
|TIKTOK
The physician stressed that even tiny amounts of this toxin can trigger the condition, potentially leading to paralysis or death.
It's a sobering reminder that proper food storage isn't just about keeping things fresh - it's about keeping ourselves safe.
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