HealthMap

Mineral Leaching from Unlined Acidic Food Cans

• Tin is the primary mineral nutrient and metallic element that leaches from unlined metal cans when they contain acidic foods.
• Acidic foods such as tomatoes, citrus fruits, berries, and various juices can rapidly corrode the exposed interior surfaces of unlined cans.
• Metal migration occurs as the acid breaks down the bare metal, resulting in significant absorption of soluble tin into the food contents.
• Health implications of high tin ingestion from canned goods can include acute gastrointestinal distress, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.