Online Sources For Commercial Food Date and Shelf Life Information

[411man]

Here are some Online sources to aid in determinding when commercially produced canned foods were produced, the sell by dates, best used by dates, etc. Below these online sources I will list some sites which offer food storage specific information.

Please look at and read this Online information source first as it reveals the limitations on can food labeling, date information, FDA regulations, types of date information, and general facts about the shelf life of commercial canned foods [ http://www.amarogue.com/foodexpiration.html ]

Please note the following four very important quotes:

a) "Canned food has a shelf life of at least two years from the date of processing. Canned food retains its safety and nutritional value well beyond two years, but it may have some variation in quality, such as a change of color and texture."

b) "Each canned food manufacturer has a unique coding system. Some manufacturers list day, month and year of production, while other companies reference only the year. These codes are usually imprinted on the top or bottom of the can. Other numbers may appear and reference the specific plant manufacturing or product information and are not useful to consumers. Below is a sampling of how some manufacturers code their products so consumers know when the product was packaged. If you have specific questions about a company's product, contact a customer service representative at the phone number listed"

c) "There are several types of dates
"Sell-by" date - tells the store how long to display the product for sale. You should buy the product before the date expires.
"Best if Used By (or Before)" - recommended for best flavor or quality. It is not a purchase or safety date.
"Use-By" - the last date recommended for the use of product while at peak quality. The date has been determined by the manufacturer of the product.
"Closed or Coded Dates" - packing numbers for use by the manufacturer in tracking their products. This enables manufacturers to rotate their stock as well as locate their products in the event of a recall."

d) "Expired Dates
"As long as a product is wholesome, a retailer may legally sell fresh or processed meat and poultry products beyond the expiration date on the package"



Closing Dating Codes :

https://www.usaemergencysupply.com/information_center/food_storage_faq/closed_dating_codes_used_by_some_food_manufacturer s.htm


2) http://www.captaindaves.com/foodfaq/ff18-shl.htm#Codes


I will begin with those sources which offer information on a variety of brand names then proceed to the brand specific sources.

1) From Walton Foods: http://waltonfeed.com/self/lid.html

2) This source offers information on a list of name brands.

http://www.amarogue.com/foodcode.html

3) Here are the contact phone numbers for many of the Con Agra food brands as well as other information on food dates of their brands.

http://www.conagrafoods.com/utilities/includes/faq.jsp

4) http://www.kraftfoods.com/kf

5) http://www.kraftfoods.com/kf



Here are some sites which offer food storage and storage life information.

1) https://www.usaemergencysupply.com/information_center/storage_life_of_foods.htm

2) http://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheets/HGIC3525.htm

3) http://www.survival-center.com/foodfaq/index.htm

4)http://www.homefoodsafety.org/index.jsp

5) http://millennium-ark.net/News_Files/Hollys.html : This site needs to be read in detail by examining the subtopics such as those listed under the heading of "Shelf Lives of Food". Read this site in its entirety, you will gain an encyclopedia of information on the subjects of food storage and shelf life.

6) http://standeyo.com/News_Files/Food/Extend_Shelf_Life.html

7) http://www.millennium-ark.net/News_Files/LTAH_Food_Store5.html

8) http://www.captaindaves.com/foodfaq/ff18-shl.htm#Codes

9) http://www.captaindaves.com/foodfaq/ff8-cans.htm#Shel

10) http://www.captaindaves.com/foodfaq/ff18-shl.htm

11) http://providentliving.com/food-storage/shelf-life/

12) http://www.a1usa.net/gary/expire.html


Here is a website with Closing Date Codes used by various manufacturers.

http://www.monkey-wrenching.com/public_html/pkgcode.htm



This offering is NOT Comprehensive. One should contact a food brand directly for any questions and more detailed information.

Would it be of interest if I put together a similar listing of online sources from which to purchase survival supplies such as food, water purification, sanitation, tools, shelter, cooking, etc. ?

[411man]

Here is an additional source for information on the shelf life for food and food products.

http://www.a1usa.net/gary/expire.html

[Dr. X]

Would it be of interest if I put together a similar listing of online sources from which to purchase survival supplies such as food, water purification, sanitation, tools, shelter, cooking, etc. ?

:cool: I, for one, would be interested because even though I spend alot of time online I don't shop alot and the links would make it much easier than sifting through tons of crap to find the good stuff...:)

as ever,
Dr. X

[akfanatic]

:cool: I, for one, would be interested because even though I spend alot of time online I don't shop alot and the links would make it much easier than sifting through tons of crap to find the good stuff...:)

as ever,
Dr. X

+1. :)

[411man]

I will start on it right away gentlemen.

I recommend that you create folders for each subject on your favorites list to store these sources for easy access.

[411man]

Here is a website with Closing Date Codes used by various manufacturers.

http://www.monkey-wrenching.com/public_html/pkgcode.htm

[411man]

This from Survivalist Boards.com as posted by Mary

http://www.survivalistboards.com/showthread.php?t=21220


Part 1

I've got various lists from Y2K and will try to post here if the length is okay.
Notice Spam is 4-5 years.

HOW TO READ DATES ON CANS AND PACKAGED FOOD

Sample when they list day-of-year in 3 digits:
045B97 045 is 45th day of year, B is plant, 97 is
year (02-14-97)

Anthony's pastas 800-727-8260 letters@pastaexpert.com
Shelf Life After Packed: 3 yrs
Date on Item Is: date packed
P8278A*D (ignore 1st letter, 8 is 1998, 278 is day of year -
11-5-98 packed)

Armour Star Canned Meat Products 800-528-0849
Vienna Sausage, Stew, Chili, Deviled Ha, Potted Meat,
Sliced Dried Beef, Soups, etc., but does not include
Armour Star Roast Beef or Corned Beef
Shelf Life After Packed:
Date on Item Is: date packed
B148C23 B is month, 14 is day, 8 is yr (02-14-98)

B & M Beans 800-325-7130
Shelf Life After Packed: indefinite unless can damaged
Date on Item is: date packed
J8E09 16oz (J is month, 8 is 98 - 10/98 packed)

B & M Brown Bread 800-325-7130
Shelf Life After Packed: 3 years from date packed
Date on Item is: date packed
A8E20 16oz (A is month, 8 is 98 - 1/98 packed)

Bertolli Olive Oil
Shelf Life After Packed: 2 years
Date on Item is: Expiration date

Best Foods Mayonnaise 1-800-338-8831
Shelf Life After Packed: ?
Date on Item Is: Best Used By date (good past this date,
but refrigerate after opening
0511 981742 8 oz (05-11-98) (company said this mayo
should have been rotated off the shelf!)
32oz & 16oz had no dates on them I could find
Best Foods Thousand Island Dressing 1-800-338-8831
Shelf Life After Packed: ?
Date on Item Is: Best Used by date (good past the Best
Used By date, but not as long as the mayonnaise the
Company said)
Nov 23 99M5

Bisquick (Betty Crocker) 800-336-9331
Shelf Life After Packed: 1 yr (after that yeast won't rise bisquits)
Date on Item is: expiration date
10MAR00LL 22:00 2 (03-10-2000, was packed 03-10-99)

Bugler Tobacco 1-800-341-5211 Brown & Williamson
Shelf Life After Packed: 1 yr
Date on Item Is: date packed
8K02 (6oz can) 8 is 1998, K is November

Bumble Bee Tuna, Salmon, or any of their stuff 619-715-4000
Shelf Life After Packed: indefinite (3 yrs for best flavor)
Date on Item Is: date packed
Salmon: look at 3rd number on top line: this is the year and
it is only packed in the summer.
Tuna: bottom line first number: 9 or 1 is 1997, 2 or D is 1998,
3 or F is 1999; month is next character and 1-9 is Jan thru
Sept, V is Oct, X is Nov, and Z is Dec.

Bush (baked beans, chili, etc) letters@bushbros.com
Shelf Life After Packed:
Date on Item Is:
50173 5 is month , 01 is day, 7 is 97 (05-01-97), 3 is plant

Campbells Soup 1-800-442-7684
Shelf Life After Packed: 2 yrs
Date on Item Is: Expiration date (and canned date)
Example: SEP 00 10028 (expires 9-2000, canned 10-02-98)

Capri Sun
Shelf Life After Packed: 18 mos
Date on Item Is: date packed
9114 FR 1207 (9 is 1999, 114 is day of year)

Carnation Evaporated Canned Milk 1-800-854-8935
www.carnationmilk.com
Shelf Life After Packed: 15 mos
Date on Item Is: date packed
8365MC (8 is 98, 365 is day of yr = packed 12-31-98)
For drinking or in place of fresh milk in recipes, dilute
with equal amount of water.

Coke
Date on bottom of cans
Shelf Life After Packed: Plastic Bottles 3 mos to Optimum
Taste Date; can or glass 9 mos; containing aspertane 3 mos
Date on Item Is: Optimum Taste Date (Lasts much longer
but after that gets less carbonated and less sweet. Coke
says this is true of ALL carbonated soft drinks)

Creamette pastas 800-727-8260 letters@pastaexpert.com
Shelf Life After Packed: 3 yrs
Date on Item Is: date packed
P8278A*D (ignore 1st letter, 8 is 1998, 278 is day of year -
11-5-98 packed)

Crisco Oil
Shelf Life After Packed: 24 mos unopened, 12 mos opened
Date on Item Is: date packed
9045xxx 9 is 99, 045 is day of year (02-14-99)

Crisco Vegetable Shortening and butter flavored shortening
Shelf Life After Packed: indefinite but 12 mos after opening
Date on Item Is: date packed
9045xxx 9 is 99, 045 is day of year (02-14-99)

Del Monte (all) 800-543-3090
All Del Monte have indefinite shelf life, but for taste:
Shelf Life After Packed: 2 yrs for taste having sugar or salt
Shelf Life After Packed: 2-1/2 yrs for taste w/no sugar or salt
Date on Item Is: date packed
8045B 8 is 98, 045 is day of yr , B is plant (02-14-98)



Dinty Moore Beef Stew 1-800-523-4635
Shelf Life After Packed: indefinite unless can damaged
Date on Item Is: date packed
7.5 oz G11258 14:18 (11-25-98 packed)
BST 3 EST 199M
15 oz S07098 10:32 (07-09-98 packed)

Dole Pineapple Chunks 1-800-232-8888
Shelf Life After Packed: 3 years
Date on Item Is: expiration date
NOV 2001

French's Mustard 1-800-841-1256
Shelf Life After Packed: 1 year
Date on Item Is: date packed
M98345C (M is plant, 98 is year, 345 is day - 12/98 packed)

Gatorade
Shelf Life After Packed: 9 mos
Date on Item Is: packed date
026A93204:12 0 is plant, 26 is day, A is mo, 9 is 99 (01-26-99)

General Mills
Shelf Life After Packed:
Date on Item Is:
The mfg date is coded to their fiscal year that begins on June 1
And ends on May 31. Following is their cycle:
A = June E = Oct J = Feb
B = July F = Nov K = March
C = Aug G = Dec L = April
D = Sept H = Jan M = May
E731B E is October, 7 is 97, 31 is day, B is plant (10-07-97)

Good Seasons Italian packages 1-800-431-1003
Shelf Life After Packed: 2 yrs
Date on Item Is: expiration date
8271A1113:43 (8 is yr, 271 is day of yr = packed 09-28-98)




Green Giant Vegetables
Shelf Life After Packed: 2 yrs
Date on Item Is: Packed date
H87063 20:49 H is month, 8 is 98 (packed 08-98)
1030F

Hanover Foods Corp
Small whole potatoes, green beans, corn, etc.
Shelf Life After Packed:
Date on Item Is:
28304 2 is discarded, 8 is 98, 304 is day of yr (10-31-98)

Healthy Choice 800-323-9980
Shelf Life After Packed: 2 yrs
Date on Item Is:
Month letters start Oct=A, Nov=B, Dec=C, Jan=D, etc
9C...... 9 is 99, C is December, the rest is lot number (12-99)

[411man]

http://www.survivalistboards.com/showthread.php?t=21220

Part 2

Hershey Cocoa 800-468-1714
Shelf Life After Packed:
Date on Item Is: 8H (last 2 numbers of other numbers) This is
within its peak freshness date.
Means August 2008. 8 is year (2008), H is August.
Month letters start Jan=A, Feb=B, Mar=C, etc

Hormel Products 1-800-584-1222 (recipes: 800-523-4635)
Shelf Life After Packed:
Date on Item is:
G07048 G is plant, 07048 is 07-04-98

Jello Brand Puddings & Gelatins
Shelf Life After Packed:
Date on Item Is:
804522 10:38 8 is yr, 045 is day of year, 10:38 time (02-14-98)

Kellogg's Frosted Flakes
Shelf Life After Packed: 1 yr
Date on Item Is: Best used by date
Jun 05 1999 (06-05-99)

Kern's Nectar
Shelf Life After Packed: 2 yrs
Date on Item Is: date packed
9 124 (9 is 1999, 124 is day of year)

Kingsford Charcoal 1-800-232-4745
Shelf Life After Packed:
Date on Item Is:
108A8 (1/8/98)
1-9=Jan-Sept, A=Oct, B=Nov, C=Dec

Kraft Catalina Salad Dressing 800-847-1997 www.kraftfoods.com
Shelf Life After Packed: ?
Date on Item Is: Best Buy Date - use 30 days after that
Oct 19 990 (10-19-99)

Kraft Miracle Whip 800-847-1997
Shelf Life After Packed: ?
Date on Item Is: Best Buy date (Use by this date plus 1 mo)
Can keep in cupboard 30 days after that and in refrigerator 3-4
months after that. Refrigerate after opening
Aug 20 990 (08-20-99)

Kraft Velveeta Cheese 1-800-634-1984
Velveeta does not have to be refrigerated
Shelf Life After Packed: 5-7 mos
Date on Item Is: a date (usually 4 mos prior)
- use 1 mo after this date non-refrigerated;
- use 3 mos after this date if refrigerated

Kraft Cheez Whiz 1-800-634-1984
Shelf Life After Packed: ?
Date on Item Is: a date - use 5 mos after this date if opened

Libby’s Vegetables
Distributed by Seneca Food Corp. http://consumer.senecafoods.com/faq.cfm

Our products, except sauerkraut, picked beets, three bean salad, and pickled red cabbage are best if used within 24 to 36 months from the date of manufacture depending on storage conditions. The above four items are best if used within 18 to 24 months. We recommend that all canned vegetables be stored in a cool, dry place.
Shelf Life After Packed: 24-36 months except 4 items above
Date on item is: Date packed. First is a letter and the month packed: A=January; B= February, etc. The second position is the last digit of the year: 7=2007, 8=2008, 0=2000, 1=2001, etc.
H7AK182A 03 16 (this is August 2007)

Libby's Roast Beef w/Gravy (Nestle Consumer Svcs, PO Box 29055,
Glendale, CA 91209-9055)
Packed by Brazilian government
Nestle Consumers Svcs, POB 29055, Glendale, CA 91209-9055
01 09 12 oz
98 B1

Lindsay Black Olives 800-252-3557
Shelf Life After Packed: 5 years
Date on Item is: date packed
19OLP/306HH (second letter 9 = packed in 1999)

Mary Kitchen Corned Beef Hash or Roast Beef Hash 800-523-4635
Shelf Life After Packed: indefinite
Date on Item Is: date packed
B11168 B1 (11-16-98 packed)
RB1t 199W

McCormick Herbs & Spices (Schilling)
Shelf Life After Packed: ?
Date on Item Is: ?
3604AY 3 is year then add 5 (1998) 604 is day and month (but
must divide by 50 = 6 with 4 left over. The 6 equals
the last whole or complete month before the month
of production (June). The next month (July) is the
production month. The 4 remaining is the day.
THEY HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING!

Milk – Great Value Instant Nonfat Dry Milk (made by Wal-Mart)
Shelf Life After Packed: I bought 1/08 and it said best used by
10-25-09, so at least 22 months. Use 1/4c instant milk + 1c water
for 1 cup
Date on Item is: Says Best by 10-25-09

Nabisco Ritz Crackers 1-800-622-4726
Shelf Life After Packed: 6-8 mos (and more)
Date on Item Is: 6 mos after packed, however is not
an expiration code. Product remains wholesome well
beyond this date.
9197AV302 9 is 99, 197 is day of year (07-16-99)

Nestles Quik 800-637-8536
Date on Item is: Date Packed
Shelf Life: 2 yrs (best to use 3-6 months after open)
9307BNC (packed 1999, day 307)

Newman's Own salad dressing
Says right on the bottle "Does not require refrigeration"

Nissin Cup Noodles 1-800-677-6645
Shelf Life After Packed: 1 yr
Date on Item Is: expiration date
90308AB (9 is 99, 03 is month, 08 is day = expires 03-08-99)

Oceanspray Cranberry & other Juices 800-662-3263
Date on Item is: expiration date
03180H0332CJ (on lid) (03 is March, 18 is 18th, 0 is 2000)


Ortega Green Chilis in can
good 3 years (5 days opened)

Ortega Salsa (Nestle) 800-745-3403
Date on Item is: date packed
Shelf Life: 3 years unopened (7 days opened)
9104AC (9 is 1999, 10 is 10th, 4 is April) (packed 4/10/99)

Ovaltine Rich Chocolate 800-442-0099
Shelf Life After Packed: 18 mos opened or unopened
Date on Item Is: date packed
3458D 1404 (345 is day of year, 8 is 1998 - 12/10/98)

Parkay liquid
Was Kraft: 800-998-7808
Sold to: 800-622-4726
Shelf Life After Packed: 5 mos
Date on Item Is:

Pillsbury Cake Mix
All Pillsbury cakes including Quick Breads have 18 mos shelf life.
Shelf Life After Packed: 18 mos
Date on Item is: date packed
A9M14 (A is the month, 9 is 1999, ignore the other numbers:
A=Jan; B=Feb; C=March; D=April; E=May; F=June; G=July;
H=August; I=Sept; J=Oct; K=Nov; L=Dec)

[411man]

http://www.survivalistboards.com/showthread.php?t=21220

Part 3

PopTarts (Kelloggs)
Shelf Life After Packed: 6 mos
Date on Item is: date packed
07209CTA12 (7/20/99 packed...good till 1/20/2000)

Progresso Foods 800-200-9377
Canned soups, beans, etc.
Shelf Life After Packed: 3 years
Date on Item Is: date packed
2 lines of code. Top line is date portion.
L7N18 1211 L is month, 7 is 97, ignore rest (12-97)
A=Jan; B=Feb; C=March; D=April; E=May; F=June; G=July;
H=August; I=Sept; J=Oct; K=Nov; L=Dec)

Quaker Instant Oatmeal packets 1-800-555-6287
Shelf Life After Packed: 18 mos
Date on Item Is: best used by date (packed 18 mos prior)
June 0800 Y7 (06-08-2000)

Ragu 800-328-7248 www.eat.com
Shelf Life After Packed: 2 yrs
Date on Item Is: expiration date
Ragu Old World Style flavored with meat
M1A23418
1552Dec2000

Rice-a-Roni 1-800-421-2444
Shelf Life After Packed: 1 yr
Date on Item Is: expiration date
Herb & Butter: SEP2208B8 (expires 09-22-2008)

Rice: Riceland Foods White or Brown 800-226-9522
Shelf Life After Packed: White 1 yr or 2 yrs in refrigerator
Brown 6 mos or 1 year in refrigerator (oil goes rancid)
The above is what the woman who called me said was the shelf life.
Date on Item Is: Date packaged (just look at first 4 digits: first 3
Digits are day of year packed and last digit is the year)
White: 0728 SA5 LT 43023 (packed 72nd day of 2008)
Brown: 0708 SA5 LT 4812 (packed 70th day of 2008)

This is what I got off their website:

4. Why don't you have an expiration date on Riceland® Rice products?
It is possible for products to develop problems when out of our control; varying conditions can affect individual products differently.
White rice products have nearly indefinite shelf lives. If stored properly and protected from infestation and extreme temperature fluctuations, white rice products may be maintained for long periods of time. For best results, place the product in a sealed container and store in a cool, dry place. Uncooked white rice may also be stored in a pantry, refrigerator, or freezer. Cooked rice can be refrigerated for up to six days, or stored in the freezer for six months.
Since brown rice has a higher oil content than white rice, its shelf life is not as long. Refrigerated storage is recommended for brown rice.
For taste and quality, the Riceland® rice mixes have a limited shelf life. Spices do not maintain their freshness for long periods of time, therefore it is recommended to use the rice mixes shortly after purchasing, but within one year from the production code date.
The USDA has established a standard of identity for enriched rice specifying the levels of thiamin, niacin, iron, and folic acid that the rice should contain. When the bran layer is removed from the brown rice to produce white rice, these vitamins and minerals are also removed. White rice is enriched to provide you with the same thiamine, niacin, and iron content as brown rice. By law, folic acid is added to the rice to prevent birth defects such as spina bifida, and is added to all enriched cereal products.
Rinsing or washing of Riceland® Rice is not recommended. The rinsing removes the enrichment from the rice.

Ramen Noodle Soup packets
Maruchan, Irvine CA 92618
8aII1023C

Spam, Hormel 1-800-523-4635
Shelf Life After Packed: indefinite shelf life (4-5 yrs)
Date on Item Is: packed date
A05198 4 A is plant, 05 is month, 19 is day, 8 is year (05-19-98)
EST.199 17 22 RS

Stagg Chili 800-611-9778
Shelf Life After Packed: 5 yrs for flavor
Date on Item Is: date packed
S03029 (S is plant, 03/02/99 packed)

Starkist Tuna 1-800-252-1587
Shelf Life After Packed: 4 yrs (no dents)
Date on Item Is: date packed
E=1996; F=1997; G=1998; H=1999
C80CE
X045G (ignore X, 045 is day of yr, G is 98 (packed 02-14-98)

Swanson Chicken Broth 1-800-442-7684
(Do not use after expiration date per Campbell's)
Shelf Life After Packed: 2 yrs
Date on Item Is: expiration date
OCT 00 10028 (10-2000 expires) (10-02-98 canned)


Taco Bell Salsa 800-695-8226
Shelf Life After Packed: ?
Date on Item Is: expiration date
17JUL99 XAU (expires 7-17-99)
10:02 15799 8290

Tree Top Apple Juice 800-542-4055
Shelf Life: 1 year in plastic, 2 years in glass
Date on Item is: date packed
1=Jan, 2=Feb, 3=Mar, 4=Apr, 5=May, 6=June, 7=July,
8=Aug, 9=Sept, A=Oct, B=Nov, C=Dec
8269C (8/26/99 packed) 64oz
A1090C (10/10/99 packed) 1 gal

Valley Fresh White Chicken
PO Box 339, Turlock CA 95381
10 oz WW1 07:01
8365B

Water gallons - see Red Cross sheet attached
Dates are on the plastic jugs I think when they expire.
Water gets to tasting pretty bad after about 4-6 months,
plus microbes are growing all the time in the jug. Boil for
1 full minute. Let it cool for at least 30 minutes and stir up
let air back in. OR Add 16 drops of liquid chlorine bleach
per gallon of water or 8 drops per 2-liter. Stir to mix. 5.25%
sodium hypochlorite should be the only active ingredient
in the bleach. There should not be any added soap or
fragrances. Let stand 30 minutes. If it smells of chlorine,
you can use it. You can wait days though for better taste
the bleach does break down and evaporate.

Wishbone Italian 1-800-697-7887 www.wish-bone.com
Shelf Life After Packed: ?
Date on Item Is: Use 1 mo after date on neck of bottle for
Best flavor

Yeast
Shelf Life After Packed: 18 mos
Date on Item Is:

I've got another list in Excel that I don't think would come out right posted in here.

[411man]

How long can food lasts ?

Read this.

http://www.cancentral.com/hist_empire.cfm


THE GREAT INTERNATIONAL SEARCH FOR NEW TERRITORY further propelled the use and notoriety of the can. Likewise, the advantages of well preserved canned food enabled bolder expeditions. Explorers in search of the elusive Northwest Passage, such as Otto von Kotzebue of Russia, were quick to benefit. He wrote of a "discovery made lately in England" which he thought "too important not to be made use of," and took some canned meats with him on his voyage in 1815.



Honest Spices Nutmegs, probably c. 1890; Nestle's Milk Food, probably c. 1890;
Windsor Coffee; Borden's Evaporated Milk; Royal Baking Powder, c. 1940; Sauer's Cloves.



Sir William Edward Parry made two arctic expeditions to the Northwest Passage in the 1820's and took canned provisions on his journeys. One four-pound tin of roasted veal, carried on both trips but never opened, was kept as an artifact of the expedition in a museum until it was opened in 1938. The contents, then over one hundred years old, were chemically analyzed and found to have kept most of their nutrients and to be in fairly perfect condition. The veal was fed to a cat, who had no complaints whatsoever.

Swain, Earle and Co. tea.


As cans traveled over land and sea, can making spread as well. In Germany, where tinplate had been invented hundreds of years earlier, tin cans were made by hand by plumbers—artisans who, in those days, worked primarily with lead, zinc, tin and other metals.

The father of the can manufacturing industry in the United States was an Englishman who immigrated to the new country and brought his newfound canning experience with him. Thomas Kensett set up a small canning plant on the New York waterfront in 1812 and began producing America's first hermetically sealed salmon, lobsters, oysters, meats, fruits and vegetables. Kensett began his operation using glass jars but, finding glass expensive, difficult to pack and easily broken, soon switched to tin. He and his father-in-law, Ezra Daggett, were awarded the U. S. patent for preserving food in "vessels of tin" by President James Monroe in 1825.

A competitor, Charles Underwood, set up shop in Boston and preserved fruits, pickles, and condiments in crocks. Underwood was also an Englishman and had landed in New Orleans originally, but found no one there interested in his canning idea. After making his way to Boston on foot, he started his business which shipped its products primarily to South America and the Far East. He too eventually switched to tin.

end quote.

How about that ?

[411man]

STORAGE LIFE OF DRY FOODS
In Consultation with Stephen Portela


NOTE: THESE PAGES HAVE BEEN DRAMATICALLY UPDATED
IN DARE TO PREPARE — 2ND EDITION




Determining the storage life of foods is at best an inexact science as there are so many variables. These range from the condition your food was in when you first purchased it and many other factors. This page was written with input by Mr. Stephen Portela who has over 30 years of professional food storage experience. This information should be used as a general guide only, and should not be followed "as the gospel truth" because your results may be different.


FOUR FACTORS THAT AFFECT FOOD STORAGE

Factor #1: The Temperature Temperature has more to do with how long well dried foods store than anything else. The USDA states, "Each 5.6oC. (10.08oF) drop in temperature doubles the storage life of the seeds". Obviously, there is a limit as to how far this statement can be taken. However I expect it basically holds true from room temperature down to freezing. No doubt, the inverse could also be considered true. "Each 5.6oC. (10.08oF) rise in temperature halves the storage life of seeds." This theory holds true for non-garden seeds as well.


Storage Life Depending on CONSTANT Temperature Note: this chart is not for a specific food but shows the relationship between temperature and storage life. Let's look at a couple of real life examples of good and poor food storage practices:

About a year ago we got an unopened paper bag of white flour which had been stored at 70oF, in a dry climate. It had been sitting for 3 years in a closet. It made fine looking bread but had such an 'old' and bad flavor that it was difficult to eat.

For another example, a couple of years ago in the Puget Sound area we were given a 4 gallon can of wheat that had been stored up high in a garage for about 30 years. This part of the country is not as hot as some places, yet in the summers the average garage still gets up into the 90's. Even though wheat will store for 30+ years under good conditions, the bread from this particular wheat was very bad tasting and after a few batches we ended up throwing the wheat away (something I always dislike doing).

oF oC Storage Life
in Years
37.6 3.1 40
48.4 9.1 30
59.2 15.1 20
70.0 21.1 10
80.8 27.1 5
91.6 33.1 2.5
102.4 39.1 1.25



Counter these stories with several examples told by Mr. Stephen Portela, Walton Feed's manager: He stores his long term food storage in his basement where the temperature hovers around 60oF. The experts give brown rice a 6 month storage life because of all the oils in it that go rancid. Yet, Mr. Portela has been eating from a supply of brown rice that has been in his basement over 10 years. It is still wholesome! In another example, there is a family living near him who purchased a supply of food in #10 cans 30 years ago. Their basement hovers around 58oF. After 28 years, Mr. Portela took a sample of many of these items to the Benson Institute at BYU to have it tested. The results can be seen at the bottom of http://waltonfeed.com/portela.html Mr. Portela's welcome page. You will see everything tested had a 'good' to 'satisfactory' rating except for the eggs which had a 'minimum passing' rating. After 28 years I think it is most interesting that it passed at all. Mr. Portela tells me as 30 years have now passed, their storage is still in very good condition.

The bottom line is even with the very best packaging methods, if you are planning on storing your food in a warm environment, it will only last a fraction of the time it would last if stored in a cool, dry place. It is important you also find a place where the temperature remains constant. Frequent temperature changes shorten storage life. If you don't have a cool place for your food storage, plan on rotating your storage quickly enough to prevent food loss.

Factor #2: Product Moisture Content

By looking at the USDA nutritional tables, dry beans, grains, and flours contain an average of 10% moisture. Although it is very difficult and unnecessary to remove all moisture from dry foods, it is imperative that any food be stored as dry as possible. Foods with excess moisture can spoil right in their containers. This is an important consideration when packing food with dry ice as moisture condenses and freezes on the outer surface of the dry ice. For long term storage, grains should have a moisture content of 10% or less. It is difficult to accurately measure this without special equipment.

Factor #3: Atmosphere the product is stored in

Foods packed in air don't store as well as in oxygen free gasses. This is because air contains oxygen which oxidizes many of the compounds in food. Food storage companies have a couple of different processes for removing the oxygen:

Displacing the oxygen: This is done by purging out all the air in the product with an inert gas. Nitrogen is almost always used because it is the most inert gas known. People doing their own packing occasionally use dry ice which gives off carbon dioxide gas, and probably works just about as well.

Absorb the oxygen: Oxygen absorber packets do just that. Air contains about 78% nitrogen and 21% oxygen, leaving about 1% for the other gasses. If the oxygen is absorbed, what remains is 99% pure nitrogen in a partial vacuum.

If oxygen absorber packets are used, care must be taken to use a storage container that can stand some vacuum. As air is sucked into your container as the oxygen is absorbed, it reintroduces more oxygen that must be absorbed. Before long, the oxygen absorbers will have absorbed all the oxygen they can. Obviously, your product won't be oxygen free under these circumstances. Walton Feed gets around this problem with their plastic Super Pail buckets by purging the product first with nitrogen before tossing in the two oxygen absorber packets. This way the absorbers have little or no oxygen to absorb and don't create a vacuum within the pail. As cans work well under a partial vacuum, purging them with nitrogen isn't necessary before inserting the oxygen absorber packet and sealing the lid. Large seeds store better in nitrogen. On the other hand, small seeds, like many garden seeds store better in air. For this reason Walton cans their garden seed packs in air.

Factor #4: The container the product is stored in

To get the best storage life out of your product it must have a hermetic (air tight) seal. Containers that do this well are:

#10 Cans
Sealable food storage buckets
Sealable food quality metal or plastic drums

Whatever container you use, be sure it is food grade as your product can be tainted with whatever the container is made from. Plastic sacks are not good air tight containers, for even if they are sealed, the relatively thin plastic 'breathes,' allowing air to pass through. Paper sacks are of course even worse.

There is some concern as to how good a seal is made by the lids on plastic buckets used by food storage companies. Manufacturer studies show an extremely small amount of air transfer. This amount is so small, however, that it can be considered a hermetic seal. It has also been found that the lids can be re-used several times without dramatically degrading the performance of the seal.

People who purchase products from food storage providers are often concerned about receiving their buckets bulging or with one side collapsed in. Collapsed buckets occasionally occur when ordering from Walton's as the elevation of their packing facility is above 6,000 feet. As the buckets are shipped to a lower elevation, the increased ambient air pressure can sometimes push in one side. If a side is popped in, it is a great indication that the bucket is indeed sealed. And this also holds true for buckets that might be under a slight amount of pressure. If either condition concerns you, crack the lid to equalize the air pressure. You can do this without seriously degrading the storageability of the product within the bucket. Remember to re-seal the lid after doing this.

Bulging cans: Some bulging cans have been returned to Waltons. In almost every case, these cans held mixes that contained baking powder or soda. These cans were sent off for bacteria analysis and came back negative. It is believed that occasionally the extremely small amount of moisture found in the product interacts over time with the baking powder or soda and creates a small amount of carbon dioxide gas.

STORAGE LIFE NOTES ABOUT SPECIFIC FOODS

The Soft Grains

Barley
Hulled or Pearled Oat
Groats
Rolled Oats
Quinoa
Rye

Soft Grains have softer outer shells which don't protect the seed interior as well as hard shelled seeds and therefore won't store as long. Hermetically sealed in the absence of oxygen, plan on a storage life of 8 years at a stable temperature of 70oF. They should keep proportionately longer if stored at cooler temperatures.

The Hard Grains

Buckwheat
Corn, Dry
Flax
Kamut
Millet
Durum wheat
Hard red wheat
Hard white wheat
Soft wheat
Special bake wheat
Spelt
Triticale


The Hard Grains all store well because of their hard outer shell which is nature's near perfect container. Remove that container and the contents rapidly deteriorate. Wheat, probably nature's longest storing seed, has been known to be edible after scores of years when stored in a cool dry place. As a general rule for hard grains, hermetically sealed in the absence of oxygen, plan on a storage life of 10-12 years at a stable temperature of 70oF. They should keep proportionately longer if stored at cooler temperatures.

Beans

Adzuki Beans
Blackeye Beans
Black Turtle Beans
Garbanzo Beans

Great Northern KidneyBeans
Lentils
Lima Beans
Mung Beans

Pink Beans
Pinto Beans
Small Red Beans
Soy Beans



As beans age they lose their oils, resist water absorption and won't swell. Worst case, they must be ground to be used. Storing beans in nitrogen helps prolong the loss of these oils as does cool temperatures. Hermetically sealed in the absence of oxygen, plan on a storage life of 8-10 years at a stable temperature of 70oF. They should keep proportionately longer if stored at cooler temperatures.

Dehydrated Vegetables

Broccoli

Cabbage

Carrots

Celery
Onions

Peppers
Potatoes



Dehydrated vegetables store well if hermetically sealed in the absence of oxygen. Plan on a storage life of 8-10 years at a stable temperature of 70oF. They should keep proportionately longer if stored at cooler temperatures.

Dehydrated Dairy Products

Cheese
Powder
Cocoa

Powder
Powder Eggs
Butter/margarine Powder

Powder Milk
Morning Moo Whey Powder



Dehydrated dairy products generally store very well if stored dry in hermetically sealed containers. Plan on a storage life of 15 years if stored at a stable temperature of 70oF. They should keep proportionately longer if stored at cooler temperatures. One exception is Morning Moo. As a new whey based product, it hasn't been tested for long term storage. Plan on rotating this product after 5 years.

Flours and Other Products Made From Cracked/Ground Seed

All Purpose Flour
Bakers Flour
Unbleached Flour
White Flour

Whole Wheat Flour
Cornmeal Mixes
Refried Beans

Cracked Wheat
Germade Gluten
Granola Wheat Flakes



After seeds are broken open their outer shells can no longer protect the seed contents and seed nutrients start to degrade. Don't try to store unprotected flours longer than a year. Hermetically sealed in the absence of oxygen, plan on a storage life of 5 years at a stable temperature of 70oF. They should keep proportionately longer if stored at cooler temperatures.

Pasta

Pasta
Macaroni
Noodles

Ribbons
Spaghetti



Pasta will store longer than flour if kept dry. Hermetically sealed in the absence of oxygen, plan on a storage life of 8 - 10 years at a stable temperature of 70oF. Pasta should keep proportionately longer if stored at cooler temperatures.

Dehydrated Fruit

Fruit doesn't keep as well as many dehydrated items. Hermetically sealed in the absence of oxygen, plan on a storage life of 5 years at a stable temperature of 70oF. They should keep proportionately longer if stored at cooler temperatures.

Honey, Salt and Sugar

Honey, salt and sugar should keep indefinitely if stored free of moisture. Watch out for additives in the honey. It is possible to buy honey with water and sugar added. This honey generally doesn't crystallize like pure 100% honey does when stored for a long time. If there are additives, there is no saying how long it will last.

Peanut Butter Powder

Peanut butter powder will not store as long as wheat flour. Hermetically sealed in the absence of oxygen, plan on a storage life of 4-5 years at a stable temperature of 70oF. It should keep proportionately longer if stored at cooler temperatures.

Brown and White Rices

Brown and white rices store very differently. Brown rice is only expected to store for 6 months under average conditions. This is because of the essential fatty acids in brown rice. These oils quickly go rancid as they oxidize. It will store much longer if refrigerated. White rice has the outer shell removed along with those fats. Because of this, white rice isn't nearly as good for you, but will store longer. Hermetically sealed in the absence of oxygen, plan on a storage life for white rice of 8-10 years at a stable temperature of 70oF. It should keep proportionately longer if stored at cooler temperatures.

Seeds or Sprouting Seeds

All viable seeds are hibernating tiny living plants that only need moisture and warmth to sprout. And much like a chick in an egg, all the nutrients this little life needs to spring into existence is contained within it's shell.

Like boiling an egg, heating a seed will kill that little life within it. However, unlike an egg, a seed can withstand cold temperatures. As seeds usually remain edible after the life within it dies, we must use different criteria when determining sproutable seed storage life. And again the big deciding factor is temperature. The big seed companies freeze their seed between seasons to promote long life. Of course, you can also do the same thing. Plan on a storage life of 4 years at a stable temperature of 70oF. They should keep proportionately longer if stored at cooler temperatures. Rita Bingham's Sprouting Book suggests that "Vacuum sealed or nitrogen treated seeds store longest, with a shelf life of up to 15 years." This is presupposing they are kept very cool or frozen.

Alfalfa is a unique seed as it actually germinates better if the seed is 2 or 3 years old. Most any sample of alfalfa contains 'hard' seed and 'soft' seed. Soft seed germinates within two days while hard seed germinates in about a week. The problem is, by the time the soft seed sprouts are ready to harvest, the hard seed may not have germinated yet. As storage time draws on, the hard seed turns into soft seed. Older seed germinates closer together. Stored in good conditions, alfalfa seed should have a good percentage of germination up until it is 8 years old.

Total Vegetable Protein, made from soy beans, has an unusually long storage life. Hermetically sealed in the absence of oxygen, plan on a storage life of 15-20 years at a stable temperature of 70oF. TVP should keep proportionately longer if stored at cooler temperatures.

Yeast, a living organism, has a relatively short storage life. Keep yeast in the original metal foil storage containers. If the seal remains intact, yeast should last 2 years at 70oF. However it is strongly recommended that you refrigerate it, which should give you a storage life of 5 years. Frozen yeast should store for a long time.

All contents © 1996-2000, Al Durtschi. All rights reserved. This information may be used by you freely for noncommercial use with my name and E-mail address attached. Revised: 3 Dec 1996

Al Durtschi, E-mail: mark@lis.ab.ca
Home Page: http://waltonfeed.com/

[411man]

Here is an excellent source to gain shelf life information on various groceries and foods as well as canned goods.


Still Tasty


Groceries, produce, baked goods, etc.

Keep it or toss it.

http://www.stilltasty.com/


Shelf Talk

Can Goods : Expiration Dates: Should You Pay Attention?
The dates on food labels can be confusing. The truth is, they often have nothing to do with food safety. Here's what you really need to know.


http://www.stilltasty.com/articles/view/5

Expiration Dates: Should You Pay Attention?
The dates on food labels can be confusing. The truth is, they often have nothing to do with food safety. Here's what you really need to know.

You’ve assembled everything you need for the perfect deli sandwich: Genoa salami, prosciutto, some thinly sliced provolone and a crusty baguette. To top it all off, you reach into the fridge for your favorite spicy mustard.

And then you notice it. The “Best By” date on the mustard bottle was 4 months ago!

You might think you’ve got to ditch the mustard and settle for a ho-hum sandwich. But that’s not the case. Here’s what you need to know about food expiration dates:

Use-By, Best if Used By, Best By, Best Before: These "use by" and “best” dates are generally found on shelf-stable products such as mustard, mayonnaise, and peanut butter.
The date, which is provided voluntarily by the manufacturer, tells you how long the product is likely to remain at its absolute best quality. But it is not a safety date.

After the "use by" or “best” date has passed, you may start to notice gradual changes in the product’s texture, color, or flavor. But as long as you’ve been storing the item properly, you can generally consume it well beyond this date, even after the package has been opened.

Your best bet for gauging whether a product with this type of date is still of satisfactory quality is to simply smell and taste it first. And you can also consult the Keep It or Toss It database for optimal food storage times.

Sell-By: Most sell-by dates are found on perishables like meat, seafood, poultry and milk. The date is a guide for stores to know how long they can display a particular product.
You should buy the product before the sell-by date expires. But you can still store it at home for some time beyond that date, as long as you follow safe storage procedures (check the Keep It or Toss It database for specific foods).

For instance, milk that has been continuously refrigerated will usually remain drinkable for about one week after the "sell by" date on the package. Likewise, you can store ground beef in your refrigerator for 1 to 2 days after purchasing it, even if the sell-by date expires during that time.

Expires On: The only place you’re likely to encounter this type of date is on infant formula and some baby foods, which are the only food products the federal government regulates with regard to dating. You should always use the product before this date has passed.

Packing codes: These codes, which appear as a series of letters and/or numbers on the package, sometimes indicate the date or time of manufacture. Often, though, they simply appear as a meaningless jumble.

Either way, packing codes help manufacturers and grocers rotate their stock and quickly locate products in the event of a recall. But they are not meant to be interpreted as an indicator of either food safety or quality.

For more information on product dating, visit the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service Web site.

Note: This article refers to labeling terminology used in the United States; practices in other countries may differ.



More Shelf Talk

http://www.stilltasty.com/articles

3 Ways to Defrost Food Safely
Foods keep safe while they're frozen. But that can change quickly once they start to thaw. Follow these steps to keep your foods safe and tasty.

Read more >>


The Secret to Keeping Fruit Luscious
When it comes to ripening, not all fruits are created equal. Use our handy guidelines to get the maximum flavor and shelf life from your fresh fruit.

Read more >>

Your Questions Answered

http://www.stilltasty.com/questions


Are Eggs Still Safe After the Expiration Date?


Question: I have some eggs in the refrigerator that I’d like to use, but the date on the carton was a week ago. Are they still safe to eat?

Answer: Yes, your eggs should be fine, provided you’ve been storing them properly.

As the Washington-based Egg Safety Center notes, the dates you see on egg cartons are not food safety dates. They are most commonly used as a guide for stores to know how long they can sell the eggs.

Raw eggs will maintain their best quality for about 3 to 5 weeks after the date you bought them and took them home, assuming continuous refrigeration.

During that home storage time, the "sell-by" or “expiration” date on the carton will usually come and go. But your eggs will still be perfectly safe to use, provided they’re not cracked or otherwise damaged.

If you want to store your eggs for longer than five weeks, your best bet is to freeze them, following the instructions outlined here.


Have a question? Click here


More Questions

Can You Safely Reuse Marinade?

Is it OK to Put Hot Food Directly Into the Fridge?

Is it Better to Store Bread on the Counter or in the Fridge?

Does Olive Oil Last Longer if You Store it in the Fridge?

I Left Pizza Out Overnight - Is It Still Safe to Eat?

Do You Have to Refrigerate Opened Bottles of Mustard and Ketchup?

Is it Necessary to Rinse Raw Chicken Before Cooking It?

Can You Safely Eat Chicken That’s Been Frozen for Two Years?

I Forgot to Refrigerate Food — Will Reheating Make it Safe?

If Raw Beef Gets Dark is it Still Safe?

Is Canned Tuna Still Safe After the “Best By” Date?

Is it Safe to Leave Canned Food Leftovers in the Can?

Is Bottled Water Still Safe To Drink After the Expiration Date?

Do You Have to Refrigerate Strawberries?

Is it Safe to Eat a Burger That’s Still Pink Inside?

Is it Safe to Refreeze Meat That Has Already Thawed?

How Long Can I Keep Thawed Beef Before Cooking It?

[411man]

Keeping Food For Years


Certain Dry Foods Are Good Past Their Best-before Date, Food Scientists Say


http://www.sciencedaily.com/videos/2007/0208-keeping_food_for_years.htm



Some low-moisture foods such as dried apples can be safe to eat even years after their expiration date, if properly stored, food chemists say. They verified this in a tasting experiment of 28-year-old rolled oats. Heat, moisture and light can degrade food's nutritional value.


The next time you find forgotten food in the pantry, don't just toss it. Keeping food past its expiration date may not seem like a good idea, but certain foods last a lot longer than you think -- years longer.

Food scientists now know that, when properly sealed, some dried food that's been sitting on shelves for years, could still be OK to eat.

"It lasts a lot longer than we thought," Oscar Pike a food scientist at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, tells DBIS.

That's good news for Leslie Probert, who joins the rising number of people stockpiling food for emergencies. "I'm just writing the date on these cans so that I can remember when they were purchased," she says. "This is a year's supply of food for a family of five."

Scientists have known certain foods like sugar and salt can be stored indefinitely, but wanted to learn the shelf life of other food like dried apples -- stored since 1973 -- tried by taste testers.

"I like to call it the emergency shelf life of the food, food that you'd still be willing to eat in an emergency," Pike says. "It's not as though it were freshly canned, but it's certainly edible."

He says the best foods to store are low in moisture, like wheat and powered milk. But keep all foods away from heat and light to stop it from going stale and losing nutritional value. "All the foods that we've tested have been stored at room temperature or below, so you want to avoid attic and garage storage."

In the study, researchers taste-tested rolled oats that had been stored in sealed containers for 28 years. Three-fourths of tasters considered the oats acceptable to eat in an emergency.

BACKGROUND: Food science researchers subjected a panel of human tasters to samples of very old food. They discovered that even 20-year-old dried milk and 28-year-old rolled oats were still edible -- and sometimes even tasted okay. So a lot of food well past the manufacturer's expiration date might still be edible for years or decades to come.

ABOUT THE STUDY: Food scientists have long maintained that certain foodstuffs -- salt, granulated crystal sugar, seeds, and wheat kernels, for example -- can be stored indefinitely at room temperature or below. But what about more processed grains, such as rolled oats? So the researchers prepared oatmeal from 16 samples of regular and quick-cooking rolled oats that had been stored up to 28 years in sealed containers.

A panel of tasters rated the oats on aroma, texture, flavor, aftertaste and overall acceptability. The scientists also analyzed the samples' nutritional quality. Tasters rated the quality of the old oats from 4.8 to 6.7 on an ascending scale from 1 to 9. Three-fourths of the testers considered the old oats acceptable in an emergency.

WHY DOES FOOD SPOIL? Processing and improper storage practices can expose food items to heat or oxygen, which is what causes deterioration. In ancient times, salt was used to cure meats and fish to preserve them longer, while sugar is added to fruits to prevent spoilage. Certain herbs, spices and vinegar can also be used as preservatives, along with anti-oxidants, most notably Vitamins C and E. In processed foods, certain FDA-approved chemical additives also help extend shelf life.

CONSUMER TIPS: If you're stocking up on food in case of an emergency, be sure to include lots of water: one gallon per person per day for drinking, cooking and personal hygiene. The best foods for stockpiling are canned or freeze-dried soups; dried meats, fruits and vegetables; ready-to-eat-cereals and crackers; peanut butter, granola, or trail mix; energy bars, cookies and crackers; powdered or evaporated milk; and basic stables such as sugar, salt, pepper, rice, coffee or tea. Use only food-grade containers, and make sure the storage area is cool and dry, since hot, humid environments speed up spoilage. Date and rotate foods at least once a year.