2007-03-29 06:48:08 · 8 answers · asked by mickymo1 3 in Food & Drink ➔ Other - Food & Drink
I believe because their dry states are crystals, so these cannot really age very easily.
The problem I think is with packaging, any moisture causes decomposition of these crystals, and even just moisture in the atmosphere would do so over time. Also the air in the containers(oxygen and such) will oxidize it over time, which causes aging, so it does get older albeit slowly.
So basically, I think if they were in a vacuum devoid of air with no air leakage they would last many times longer without affecting freshness. I think anyways.
2007-03-29 07:13:34 · answer #1 · answered by Luis 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because time can change the taste and texture, and the federal gov requires food to have sell dates. That helps ensure the consumer they're not getting something that's been on some warehouse shelf for 100 years before they dish cash out for something they want fresher than that.
2007-03-29 13:57:44 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Because we fall for it of course! Lots of non perishables have sell by dates. Makes you throw them away & buy more doesn't it?
Just another piece of poorly thought out regulation.
2007-03-29 16:43:46 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Although they are preservatives, they do not preserve forever.
2007-03-29 13:55:47 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
everything must get of the shelf otherwise they will lose money, it's not a use by date.
2007-03-29 14:05:24 · answer #5 · answered by snowdragon 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because the feds require it.
2007-03-29 13:51:11 · answer #6 · answered by MT C 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Everything goes off, fruit, veg etc. etc.
2007-03-29 13:53:08 · answer #7 · answered by klbblk 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
as food bugs get in them yucky!
2007-03-29 13:53:09 · answer #8 · answered by 12121212 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋