Are fruit cups subject to the same rules of shelf life, handling, and storage as fruits packaged in metal cans?

Not necessarily. Like fruits packaged in cans, fruit cups, which are packaged in plastic, are heat- pasteurized to ensure they are pathogen-free. Many are shelf stable, meaning they can be stored outside the refrigerator. Others, however, require refrigeration. These all-natural varieties contain no added sugar or preservatives and are typically packed in fruit juice rather than syrup. Like canned fruits, all-natural fruit cups will keep for up to a year if they are refrigerated.  
 
Source(s):
Del Monte "Fruit Undressed"