The sturdier the package the better chance you have that the food inside is safe.

Its a term that has several meanings in our world today and those meanings will change when we hit TEOTWAWKI.

There are different goals when it comes to managing the three distinct types of expiration.

A product like this is tested and manipulated by food scientists until the product is as near to perfection as possible.

Once the size, texture and flavor are mastered, batches are run and packaged.

They must taste just the same no matter where you buy the package of Oreos.

Most retail expiration dates are based on quality and consistency of product.

Once things are expired the likelihood that customers will buy them goes away or decreases exponentially.

Therefore, retailers are left with nothing to do but purchase or inventory.

We do not see this type of an expiration date on the product itself.

These are extended dates beyond that which is stamped on the can or package.

Food banks can be sued so these are legitimate guidelines to use.

Most of our expiration will be based on these food safety expiration dates.

When you go far beyond safety expiration dates there are several things you can look for to discern the potential for spoilage in that product.

The vacuum seal removes oxygen which is necessary for bacterial growth.

If the vacuum seal or the protective layer is compromised the product inside the can will be in jeopardy.

If thats the case these foods can only last 4 hours without proper temperature control.

Read our article on meds and expiration for a deeper dive into this topics.

To get that long shelf life you want to store the food at 55 degrees.

These guidelines are time tested by food pantries all over the country.

When things are going well and havent reached a point of desperation I think these safety guidelines work well.

You may come across foods that do not have dates or the dates have been rubbed off.

If you are starving this will affect your decision to eat or not eat these foods.

Sunshine Expiration Codes