Expiration dates on Canned goods
 

I have a few cases of canned goods that I have stored and they are just now coming to the expiration date on the top of the can. I have finished off several but too many remain to be eaten. They have no dents or bruises.

My question is: Are they still good past the date on the can?

Re: Expiration dates on Canned goods
 

I've eaten a can of Campbells' tomato soup that was 8 years past the date,
and it looked good, smelled good and tasted good.

I've opened a can of Campbell's tomato soup that was 4 years past the date
and it was brown looking, smelled a little funky... no I did taste it.

Same soup, same manufacturer, stored in the same pantry.
I guess you never know for sure until you open it up.

Re: Expiration dates on Canned goods
 

Scroll through the archives,you'll find everything you need.

Re: Expiration dates on Canned goods
 

Here's a link you might be interested in reading:

http://grandpappy.info/hshelff.htm

Re: Expiration dates on Canned goods
 

Excellent. An eye-opener for me:

Re: Expiration dates on Canned goods
 

As long as it's stored properly I certainly wouldn't worry for at least a year. After that check it carefully when you open it. I would not throw it out just because the date had passed.

Re: Expiration dates on Canned goods
 

I just pass expired dates onto a friend.. She has no problem eating anything with an 'expired' date.. my problem is in my thinking.... 'expired' conjurs up images of pushing up the daisies !!

Re: Expiration dates on Canned goods
 

The FDA requires food and drug companys to "come up" with a date in which they know the contents will be good to. Everyone picks a safe date to insure no law suits happen.

I other words, can goods will remain safe for many years. Just make sure it smells and looks normal prior to eating.

Re: Expiration dates on Canned goods
 

I agree, most canned foods last years past the expiration date.

Assuming the can has no damage. Also just like long term storage foods, I would assume cooler storage conditions are better. Basement versus attic.

Re: Expiration dates on Canned goods
 

My roomate is a compulsive hoarder. Last month I went through the pantry and brought out all the items past their expiry. He convinced me that they'd be just fine.
Last weekend we had a chili with red beans canned in 2003 and white beans canned in 2005. I didn't know the difference. Tomato soup from 2003 was fine as well.

Re: Expiration dates on Canned goods
 

Thank you to all that contributed.