Is it safe to eat canned tomatoes, or does the acid leach chemicals from the lining?
Caution warranted. Tomatoes are highly acidic, and that acid pulls more chemicals from can linings than less acidic foods. Studies found bisphenols and endocrine disruptors in canned tomato products.
What's inside that can
Canned tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste are kitchen staples. But tomatoes are highly acidic, and that acid reacts with the epoxy lining inside the can. Most canned food containers use a thin coating that contains bisphenols or other chemicals designed to prevent corrosion. Acidic foods like tomatoes are the worst case scenario for these linings because the acid pulls chemicals out faster.
A single can of tomato sauce can sit on the shelf for months or years, giving the acid plenty of time to work on the lining.
What the research says
A 2026 study confirmed that chemicals from can linings migrate into food contents, with migration rates increasing when the food is acidic. Tomato-based products showed some of the highest levels of chemical transfer.
Research published in 2026 found bisphenol compounds and other substances in canned food products. The study detected multiple chemicals that act as endocrine disruptors, meaning they can interfere with your hormones even at low doses.
A 2026 analysis specifically measured migration from food contact materials and found that heating canned products (such as warming sauce in the can) further increased chemical release.
How to reduce exposure
Buy tomatoes in glass jars instead of cans. Use fresh tomatoes when possible. If using canned tomatoes, transfer them to a glass or stainless steel pot immediately rather than heating them in the can. Look for brands that specifically use BPA-free linings, though alternatives may carry their own risks.
The research at a glance
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