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Product Labeling and Safe Storage: What You Should Know
Have you ever wondered what the date information printed on
that can of vegetables? Does it mean the product will be unsafe
to use after that date? Are dates required on food items? How
long can you safely use something beyond those dates? And, what
about cans with dents or boxes that appear damaged. Is the food
inside those safe?
Product dating is not required by Federal regulations.
However, if a calendar date is used, it must express both the
month and
day of the month (and the year, in the case of shelf-stable
and frozen products). If a calendar date is shown, immediately
next
to the date must be a phrase explaining the meaning of that
date such as “sell by” or “use before”. Types
of dates you might see include:
- A “Sell-By” date tells the store how long to
display the product for sale. You should buy the product
before the date
expires.
- A “Best if Used By (or Before)” date
is recommended for best flavor or quality. It is not a
purchase of safety
date.
- A “Use-By” date is the last date recommended
for the use of the product while at peak quality. The date
has
been determined by the manufacturer of the product.
Except for “use-by” dates,
product dates don’t
always refer to home storage and use after purchase. But
even if the date expires during home storage, a product should be
safe, wholesome and of good quality – if stored and
handled properly. If foods are mishandled, however, bacteria
can grow – before
or after the date on the package.
Cans may also display
calendar dates and these are usually “best
if used by” dates for peak quality. Since product
dates aren’t a guide for safe use of a product, here
are some tips on how long a consumer can store food and
still use it.
- High-acid canned foods such as tomatoes, grapefruit and pineapple
can be stored on the shelf 12 to 18 months.
- Low-acid foods
such as meat, poultry, fish, and most vegetables will keep
2 to 5 years – if the can remains in good condition
and has been stored in a cool, clean, dry place.
- When
storing cans, never put them above the stove, under the
sink, in a damp garage or basement, or any place exposed
to high or low temperature extremes.
In addition to product dates, look at the
condition of the can, jar, or box before putting on your pantry
shelf. While
some dents
cause food to be unsafe to eat, some cans are still
safe (smooth dents, not on the seam, not where the lid meets
the side).
For unsafe cans and jars, look for:
- A dent on the
seam or where the side and lid meet. Sharp dents anywhere
on the can.
- Signs of leaking, bulging, or rusting on the can. This
may mean bacteria has gotten inside the can.
- Cracked jar lids,
cracked jars, jars with loose or bulging lids.
- Canned food with
a foul odor, or any container that spurts liquid when opening.
- NEVER
USE food from containers that show these signs. DO NOT
TASTE THIS FOOD, as even the tiniest amount
of toxin can be extremely harmful.
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