What Do the Numbers Mean on Canned Food?

Understanding the numbers on canned food can be a confusing and daunting task. Many consumers don’t realize that these numbers provide important information about the product, such as when it was manufactured, where it was made, and even the type of can it is. Knowing what these numbers mean can help you make an informed decision when purchasing canned food.

The first number on a canned food label is usually an expiration date. This date tells you when the product should be consumed by.

It is important to note that this date is not necessarily an indication of quality or safety, but rather simply a suggestion for when to consume the product for best results. This date should not be confused with a “sell by” or “best by” date which are typically found on other packaged goods.

The second number on canned food labels is often referred to as the “code” and is used to indicate where the product was manufactured and when it was made. This code typically consists of four digits followed by a letter and may be followed by another set of four digits.

The first two digits in this code usually indicate the year in which the product was made, while the second two digits indicate the month in which it was manufactured. The letter following this code may indicate whether or not the product was produced domestically or internationally.

The next series of numbers on canned goods can often be found near the base or side of the container and typically consists of three digits followed by a dash and then another two digits. These numbers are used to determine what type of can has been used to package the food item – with different numbers indicating different types such as steel, tin-plated steel, aluminum, etc.

In conclusion, understanding what these numbers mean on canned food labels can help you make informed decisions about your purchases. Knowing when a product was made and where it came from can give you an idea about quality and safety levels, while being aware of what type of container has been used will provide insight into how well preserved your food item will remain once opened. By familiarizing yourself with these key pieces of information you can ensure that you always have access to safe, high-quality products for your family’s consumption.