FAQs on Food Product Dating

The Sunday newspaper supplement Parade ran an article dealing with this very question. Here are some results of a poll the magazine conducted:

-33% of people ignore expiration dates

-40% will eat expired bread

-30% eat canned goods that are past the stamped date

-33% will eat anything that looks and smells okay even if it’s past the expiration date.

Source(s):

Parade. “What America Really Eats” by Lynn Schnurnberger, Nov.16, 2008.

Call the manufacturer and ask for customer service. The code on the can, box, or package will enable the company to determine how long it’s good for.