12/20/2015 just opened a can of starkist chunk light tuna.....taste great. bottom of can best by 03 02 2013 under label on side off can......AS 04 03/02/10
If you take that Code, and eMail it to the (nfpa-food.org) they can tell you everything you would ever want to know about who, what, where, and why, that can was produced, packaged, sold, and alot more that you might never wanted to know... This is the National Food Processers Association, the Trade Group, that does all the Lot Testing for the Canned Food Industry, and deals with All the FDA Food Regulations for the Canned Food Industries...
There is also a class action suit ongoing regarding Starkist tuna...they underpacked the cans. Let me find that link again... Looks like the timeframe to be considered in the suit has past... Hendricks v Starkist Co.
Last night I ate a pouch of Walmart tuna with an expiration date of 2/14 and I am still feeling fine.
Relax guys! I rotate my canned food as follows and have not died yet??? Regular canned food = 5 years after expiration date. Canned food that contains dairy products = 1 year after expiration date.
Agree @Mountainman! I found a forgotten tote while moving that had a bunch of canned food in it-Tuna, chicken and hams. The tops of 3 the tuna cans were convex a bit so they got tossed without a 2nd thought. The others are fine. Kats loved a Sunday treat and I used a couple for tuna sammitches with no ill effects. They all had best by 2011-2012 and were a mix of Wally World and name brand tuna. Opened one ham so far and it was GTG as well.
Ahhhh... I just posted some questions concerning this. So, in summary, if I understand this correctly, then one is safe to consume canned foods... Canned food that can has not been damaged/dented in any regard can be consumed beyond expiration date: Regular canned food = 5 years after expiration date. Canned food that contains dairy products = 1 year after expiration date. Canned food that contains citric acid (fruit) = 1 year after expiration date Anything else? Regards, Rick
@RickR Damaged/dented cans can still be alright. Any can that is bulging whether damaged or not should be tossed. When you open any can first check that it looks alright and then use your nose. Anything looks or smells strange toss it. Real test is to have someone you don't like eat some and see what happens, LOL!!!
Mountainman, Okay, I understand. Canned food where the can has been damaged/dented could very possibly be good but needs to be inspected. And, if can is bulging then just pitch it...because it's obviously rotting and gases are causing pressure on the can.