How Do You Read Expiration Dates on Canned Food?

It is essential to check the expiration dates on canned food. Not only can expired canned food be unsafe to consume, but it can also taste bad and contain fewer nutritional benefits. Furthermore, the older a can of food is, the higher chance it has of developing bacteria or other forms of spoilage.

The most important thing to know when reading an expiration date on canned food is that different manufacturers use different methods for labeling their cans. The most common type of date used is a “best by” date which tells consumers that the product should be consumed before that date in order to get the best flavor and quality from the food.

It does not necessarily mean that the food will be unsafe to eat after that date; however, it is always best to err on the side of caution when it comes to consuming any type of expired product.

Another type of label used by some manufacturers is a “use by” label which indicates that the product should be consumed by a certain date in order for it to remain safe for consumption. This type of label is typically used on products such as baby food or items with short shelf lives due to their perishable nature.

Finally, there are some cans which may feature a “sell by” or “expiration” label which indicates when stores must pull a product from its shelves in order for it to remain safe for consumption. This type of label does not necessarily indicate when a product needs to be consumed; however, it does give consumers an idea as to how old a certain item may be.

In conclusion, understanding how to read canned food expiration dates is crucial for ensuring safety and quality when consuming products out of cans. It is important to note that different manufacturers use different methods for labeling their cans and consumers should pay attention to each individual label in order ensure they are eating safe and fresh products.