In 1804, the Frenchman Nicolas Appert invented canned food during the Napoleonic era, long before artificial preservatives for food were even known. Over a century later, canned goods have become a staple in households, gaining renewed popularity amid sudden bouts of stockpiling in recent years.

Among canned delights, peach cans have surged in popularity, with rumors circulating that they possess the ability to "cure" COVID-19. However, Liu Youqian, the director of the China Canned Food Industry Association, dismisses these claims as mere psychological comfort and good-natured banter. The craze around canned goods, particularly peaches, reflects the deep emotional connection people have with these historically significant convenience foods.

Contrary to misconceptions about preservatives in canned foods, Liu assures that, despite national standards allowing safe preservative use, canned products do not necessitate the addition of preservatives. The canning process, involving sealing and prolonged exposure to high temperatures for sterilization, renders the products free from bacteria and microorganisms. The vacuum-sealed containers further enhance the preservation by ensuring superior sealing.

In the public perception, canned foods have long been associated with labels such as "preservatives" and "not fresh." Liu's reassuring response addresses these concerns by emphasizing the safety and reliability of allowed food preservatives, while asserting the unnecessary nature of adding preservatives to canned products.

Adding a touch of humor, Chen Junxing, the vice director of the China Canned Food Industry Association, playfully mentions that canned goods were invented by the Frenchman Nicolas Appert in 1804 during the Napoleonic era, a time when artificial food preservatives were yet to be discovered, as evidenced by the timeline.

Liu Youqian passionately highlights the unique role canned goods played over the past three years, fulfilling the "Five Guarantees" – supporting agriculture, promoting employment, stabilizing prices, ensuring emergency preparedness, and contributing to foreign trade and national pride.

The societal functions of canned goods, such as balancing shortages, facilitating exchange, and transforming waste into valuable resources, have been prominently demonstrated during the pandemic. This has paved the way for numerous canned food enterprises to explore new avenues stimulating domestic consumption.

Many industry insiders express their belief that the canned food industry will continue to shoulder significant social responsibilities in the foreseeable future. While fulfilling their societal duties, these industries are poised to bring prosperity to people worldwide.

About TAN
China's Second Largest Canned Food Exporter
Zhangzhou Tan Co., Ltd. is a professional international supplier of canned food and a leading exporter of canned food in China.
TAN, let "healthy food" serve the society and let "Made in China" ring the world. 
Contact our canned food expert team.