How long does an unopened can of spaghetti sauce last?

Question

I'm making spaghetti and getting ready to put it in the oven. I noticed the date on top of the can and the expiration date is Sept 15th. Do you think I can still eat it or should I run to the store?

Answer 1

It should be ok.

Please make certain you check the dates at the grocery store.

I have checked and a few times, the product was on the shelf even after it was past the exp. date.

Food will go bad in cans.

Make sure the top of can is not bulging.
The can should be free of corrosion.

When opening can, if it starts bubbling or fizzes, throw it out right away!

Wash the top of can and use a CLEAN can opener.

I taught nutrition for years and you would be surprised how easy it is to contaminate food with a dirty opener.

Don't mean to scare you but want you to be a happy and healthy cook.

Answer 2

Tips for preserving staples
To preserve foods for the longest period, store in a cool, dry, dark location.
Make sure food packaging is secure when you purchase it.
If you buy staples in bulk, buy only as much as you expect you'll use fairly quickly. That will ensure that your staples are always fresh and will give predictable performance in your cooking and baking projects.
Vacuum seal dry foods if you buy in bulk to extend the storage period.
Use the oldest stock first and rotate your pantry goods regularly.
Refrigerate foods that have been opened. Condiments like ketchup and mustard last longer in the fridge than on the shelf.
READ the package. If it says to "refrigerate after opening", make sure it gets into the fridge.
Pitch any containers that show signs of bugs, or cans and jars that have bulging lids or show any signs of leakage. The rule of thumb here is "When in doubt, throw it out!"
What do those dates mean?
Manufacturers offer "use by" dates as a guideline to peak quality. It's also a liability protection. Once the food has passed that date, the manufacturer is no longer bound to replace product that has gone bad. The federal government requires labeling only on infant formula and some baby food.
States regulate dates too so there is not much uniformity between states as to what "sell by" or "pull by" dates should be. Both tell the grocer the last day the item may be offered for sale, but has nothing to do with home storage or use. In some states, as long as food has not lost its quality it may be pulled and offered for sale at a reduced rate.
Another date is "best if used by" and again this is an estimate of how long the quality should stand up over time. Expiration dates indicate the when a product should used by. After that date, more caution should be exercised.
Pack dates tell you when food was packaged but give no indication of how long it will be good.

Many foods are perfectly safe to eat past the expiration dates as long as the packaging remains intact. You may notice some degradation in quality and that should be expected, but the foods should still be safe to eat. Items like cake or quick bread mixes may not rise and fats may develop rancid "off" flavors.
Canned goods such as soups, pasta, peas, potatoes, and spinach (low acidity or sugar) 2+ years Refrigerate after opening (3-4 days)
Canned goods such as juice, fruit, pickles (high acidity or sugar) 2+ years Refrigerate after opening (5-7 days)

Answer 3

Is it canned or jar? Can you will be fine but jar I would call 1-800 number on it. Can is safe because no light gets in

Answer 4

If it is in good shape and not dented or bulging at the seams or anything it is fine to eat.

Answer 5

That is probably the sell by date.
It should be fine.