Cans expiring?

[Nebulous's iconNebulous]

I noticed I had a few canned items that have been sitting there for ages.

I pulled them out and checked the dates and lots of them expired last year or earlier this year. So, I threw them all away. I wouldn't feel right eating something so old, even if it was still good. But I don't know

Do you think unopened canned food is still good even if its expired?

 

[yugasini]

Hi Nebulous,

Do not stock too much cans, if stacked much verify its expiry. I does not wish any thing should be wasted.

 

[Jazzy]

What do can codes mean?

Cans must exhibit a packing code to enable tracking of the product in interstate commerce. This enables manufacturers to rotate their stock as well as to locate their products in the event of a recall.

These codes, which appear as a series of letters and/or numbers, might refer to the date or time of manufacture. They aren't meant for the consumer to interpret as "use-by" dates. There is no book or Web site that tells how to translate the codes into dates.

Cans may also display "open" or calendar dates. Usually these are "best if used by" dates for peak quality.

Canned foods are safe indefinitely as long as they are not exposed to freezing temperatures, or temperatures above 90 °F (32.2° C). If the cans look ok, they are safe to use. Discard cans that are dented, rusted, or swollen. High-acid canned foods (tomatoes, fruits) will keep their best quality for 12 to 18 months; low-acid canned foods (meats, vegetables) for 2 to 5 years.

 

[DrLeftover]

Commercially canned foods are usually still safe and nutritionally viable for two years past their expiration date if the can is sound.

Which is why things like the infamous SPAM and "spaghetti O's" are stocked in emergency shelters.

If there is any sign of damage to the can: rust, dents, corrosion, throw it out. If the can is bulging, which means something interesting is going on inside that shouldn't be, CAREFULLY throw it out, it could well be full of botulism and, unless you're an aging TV star, you don't want anything to do with that.


Some links (on topic believe it or not)

Q&A
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/food-safety-education/get-answers/food-safety-fact-sheets/safe-food-handling/shelf-stable-food-safety

The Common Can:
http://www.cancentral.com/


Emergency kit ideas
http://www.ready.gov/build-a-kit


Natural disasters—a flood, hurricane, blizzard—often come with little or no warning. Stocking up now on the right nonperishable food items will help you weather the storm with less stress.
http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/shopping-storing/emergency-foods

 

[Nebulous's iconNebulous]

Thanks for the info!

 

[DrLeftover]

This was the other site that I had thought about, but couldn't remember the URL.

Enjoy.

Canned foods sometimes get a bad rap and shoppers often are advised to avoid or limit purchases from the center aisles of their local food market. But the truth is canned foods offer great nutrition, value and convenience. The Canned Food Alliance commissioned a consumer survey to explore knowledge about canned foods and uncovered some common misperceptions. We also pulled together some fun facts you might not know about canned foods

http://www.mealtime.org/professionals-and-government/frequently-asked-questions/did-you-know.aspx

About Us
The Canned Food Alliance (CFA) is a consortium of steelmakers, can makers, food processors and affiliate members that have joined together to communicate the many benefits of canned foods, including nutrition, convenience, affordability, year-round availability and sustainability.


About Mealtime.org
Mealtime.org, the Website for the Canned Food Alliance, is home to canned food research, free and sharable resources, information about the canning process, family mealtime tips and recipes that use canned food.

http://www.mealtime.org/

 

[Nebulous's iconNebulous]

I still don't think I was ever going to eat all those pinto beans, green beans & diced tomatoes anyway. The fact that the can said it was expired was enough for me.

I also had some really old shake & bake and cereal that I threw out (Not canned)