Why does canned tuna smell rotten now?

Question

Today I opened a can of albacore tuna and noticed something that's been getting worse and worse for years. It smelled rotten.

Around 25 years ago, I remember being able to eat tuna straight out of the can--even plain regular tuna. Nowadays, you open the can and the stench practically knocks you over, even the premium albacore tuna.

I know it's not my sense of taste changing, because tuna is the only thing like this--and other old-timers have reported the same thing to me about it. It started getting bad at least 20 years ago, and got to the point where only the albacore didn't stink--but now it all stinks, even the albacore smells rotten. Fresh tuna does not have this smell AT ALL.

Answer 1

I've noticed this also. The only thing I can figure is that processing has become so slipshod and slow that the fish actually starts to rot a little before they finally heat-sterilize it and seal it in the can.



I suspect that deregulation has allowed this lax processing to occur to a greater and greater degree over the past 20 years.

Answer 2

Tuna Smell

Answer 3

I opened a can of COS tuna last night and it smelled off right off. The color was not off-white like you would expect from "solid white" tuna, but a lot more grey and some soupy jelatinous mush mixed in. It was very unappetizing color as well as the smell. I didn't even want to feed it to the dog. I called the store and the customer service told me to come in for a refund. I had a can of tuna that spurted water about 6 inches high for about 3 seconds when I punctured it with a can opener a long time ago. The content looked good and smelled fine, but I knew from Microbiology class that botulism bacteria produced gas that makes can top to bulge under pressure, and that there's no bad odor or any change in looks, so I threw it out. I kept thinking somebody without the knowledge of botulism would taste that to see if it is edible or not and got himself in trouble.

Answer 4

Extra dolphin meat? Maybe all the dioxins and mercury? That bioaccumulation is exactly why I limit all my seafood intake despite loving it.



However, I've eaten tuna in the last 3 months and I didn't notice any rotten smell. And I guess I qualify as an "old timer" because I can remember eating tuna 25yrs back.

Answer 5

I have been eating tuna for more than 25 years...It is fish so it stands to reason it is going to smell ..oh I don't know "like fish".......



If I open a can of tuna today or 6 months ago...it smells the same.....All I can say is...maybe it is the brand you buy...I don't know...........

Answer 6

I'm in old-timer. As a kid in the 50s I remember Tuna smelled like tuna. Not fish. Tuna was unique and that it had its own taste and flavor. In the last 20 years or so I too have noticed the change in the odor of tuna. Now the odor is very strong and cloying. My wife and I are considering not purchasing any more. We are also are concerned with so many different nations fishing for tuna, how can it be adequately regulated. We wonder if the quality has declined and this new or for is the result. BTW, our dogs just love the tuna juice!

Answer 7

all fish smell gross