Okay, so, we've been trying to use up what we have in the stockpile and I just came across 6 cans of Spaghettios.
Two had the date Sep 2006 stamped on them.
Two had the date Sep 2005 stamped on them.
Two had the date Sep 2004 stamped on them.
I know that the first two are fine to eat. The second two we should eat quickly. What about the last two? Should I toss them? I don't know if it's a sell by or eat by date.
The chart is organized closely to the sequence of the generic Cupboard Storage Chart at County Extension sites (e.g. http://www.oznet.ksu.edu/dp_fnut/HRAP/STORAGE/cupstor.htm ). I’ve included the Extension product recommendations in the table. They are listed without a specific manufacturer entry and with "generic" in the comment column.
They don't mean as much as many people think they do. Most food is still edible after the expiration date but may not be very tasty. (Of course, lots of packaged food isn't much good before the expiration date, but that's another question).
Most people are surprised to find out that:
Stores are not legally required to remove food once the expiration date has passed. They are strictly "advisory" in nature.
Dating is not federally required, except for infant formula and baby food. States have varying laws. Most states require that milk and other perishables be sold before the expiration date.
The major codes are:
Sell by Don't buy the product after this date. This is the "expiration date."
Best if used by Flavor or quality is best by this date but the product is still edible thereafter.
Use by This is the last day that the manufacturer vouches for the product's quality.
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