Frequently Asked Questions
Question
Q
How do you read the code on canned goods to determine the expiration date?
Answer(s)
A
Each manufacturer has a different coding system. You can contact the manufacturer and they will help you determine what the product code means. As a rule of thumb canned goods have optimal quality if eaten within 1 to 2years. The food will be safe longer than 2 years, but quality will start to diminish. After 2 years canned products may become dark, have changes in texture, and changes in flavor. If the can is bulging, leaking, or rusting throw it away. If you open the product and it has a milky or slimy appearance or texture, rancid odor, corrosion on the inside of the can, or is moldy, discard the product.
Other Questions In This Topic
- Do you have tips for safe home canning of tomatoes and salsa?
- Do you have information on freezer meals?
- Can a Person safely eat the head of any venomous snake? If not, why?
- Is tomato soup and tomato sauce safe to eat if they squirt out of the can when they are opened?
- I have uncooked steak that's been in the fridge for about 1 week. Is it safe to cook & eat it now?
- Do you have a safe tomato salsa recipe that incorporates green peppers?
- I am making candy and it isn't working. I heard you need to make an altitude adjustment to your thermometer, how do I do that?
- Would like to know how many drops in one ounce of water equals how many parts per million? Or quart ect.
Note: These questions are a portion of the questions available at the master page.
© Copyright Utah State University Extension, 2009. All Rights Reserved.
