Some vendors use alphabet letters A thru L to signify the month.

is the only other page on the net that has coding examples (Canned Food Alliance consortium - nice of them to interpret their own coding!! Please send me an email if you have a question of decoding a particular item.

The codes vary from manufacturer to manufacturer and usually include coding for time and place of canning.

Most manufacturers offer a toll-free number to call for questions about canned food expiration dates.

We hand select our flowers daily and carry a large assortment of fresh orchids and tropicals along with seasonal picks.

The codes that are stamped on canned food are manufacturers' codes that usually designate the date the product was packaged.

Additionally, immediately adjacent to the date must be a phrase explaining the meaning of that date such as "Best if Used By." [Top of Page] Are Dates for Food Safety or Quality?

Manufacturers provide dating to help consumers and retailers decide when food is of best quality.

The general rule of thumb is that canned food has a shelf life of at least two years from the date of purchase.

It is recommended that all canned food be stored in moderate temperatures (75° F and below).