what is the shelf life on canned food?

Question

we have a bunch of canned soup and other stuff that was made in the late '90s,if its airtight it should still be good right?

Answer 1

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. For a sampling of how to read product codes, See Below.

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° F and below).

Many canned products now have a "for best quality use by" date stamped on the top or bottom of the can. "Expiration" dates are rarely found on canned food.

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. Canning is a high-heat process that renders the food commercially sterile. Food safety is not an issue in products kept on the shelf or in the pantry for long periods of time. In fact, canned food has an almost indefinite shelf life at moderate temperatures (75° F and below). Canned food as old as 100 years has been found in sunken ships and it is still microbiologically safe! We don't recommend keeping canned food for 100 years, but if the can is intact, not dented or bulging, it is edible.

In a well-run supermarket, foods on the shelf will be rotated on a regular basis, so there is continuous turnover. 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.

Note: For month coding, if a number is used, numbers 1 through 9 represent January through September, and letters O for October, N for November and D for December. If letters are used, A=Jan. and L=Dec., unless otherwise noted.

Answer 2

It may or may not be good but usually the cans swell when the food goes bad. Late 90's makes the cans about ten years old. I'd be very apprehensive about eating it. Open one with a can opener and pay attention for pressure escaping from the first piercing and use that nose of yours to detect any foul odor. That will be an indication of spoiled contents.
Storage of the can goods will effect the shelf life as far as temperature and type of food that is in the can can make a difference. Some foods just last longer in cans than others.
The risk is high as far as getting sick from them so you might want to consider just discarding them.

Answer 3

Sorry. Everything has a shelf life. Except maybe fruit cake. Some items can be safely kept longer than others though. Generally 2-6 years depending on whether it is acidic or not. (Fruit has a shorter shelf life). The main thing to look for though is a bulging - even slightly - lid. If you can depress the lid at all throw it out. This indicates that it is bad. Not just in taste, but will make you sick or worse.

Answer 4

For maximum freshness, the product should remain on your shelf for a maximum of date packaged + 12 months

Answer 5

i think of maximum greater modern-day cans have conventional date codes on them, yet as long through fact the cans at the instant are not puffy or leaking and the foodstuff insdie does not scent humorous, do not style it!!!!! it is going to likely be ok. whilst uncertain, throw it out! i visit declare canned products final a whilst tho.

Answer 6

throw it out! each can should have a shelf date stamped on the end of the can or on the label!

Answer 7

typically 2-3 years

If I were you I would junk it.

Answer 8

yeah i like to have hennesy put i am too young! darnit