One of the most frequently asked questions about canned food is its shelf life and "use-by" dates. The codes that are stamped on canned food are manufacturers' codes that usually designate the date the product was packaged. The codes vary from manufacturer to manufacturer and usually include coding for time and place of canning. Most manufacturers offer a toll-free number to call for questions about canned food expiration dates. 

How to Read Product Codes

Remember, the code stamped on the can is when it was packaged. The general rule of thumb is that canned food has a shelf life of at least two years from the date of purchase. It is recommended that all canned food be stored in moderate temperatures (75° Fahrenheit and below).

For more information about canned food expiration dates, nutritional content of canned food and the exact date of processing, please review the answers to our Frequently Asked Questions about canned food storage.

For additional food safety information, please visit the Safefood.org Web Site, sponsored by the National Food Processors Association.