Canned foods & expiry dates

[DipStick]

I understand that canned food was the result of WW2, and the food once canned, would be edible for many years to come. I have even read of canned WW2 foods being uncovered and still ok after forty years.

Nowadays, I have noted that canned foods have a shelf life of around 12-14 month maximum, which is just ridiculous. Is this another silly EU requirement or is it the manufacturers aiming fo bigger turnovers and sales.

[CharlieH]

I think this is generally a "best before" date and not a "use by" date.

[Allstars]

Manufacturers are by law required to add those best before dates, and the limit of those dates is also set by law, but canned and dried food will stay good for consumption even years after those dates.

 

It can of course also been seen in it's commercial content, because if those dates weren't added, the sale of canned and dried foods would also be reduced.

[worgeordie]

There was a program on the BBC about canned food,how long was

it good for ,and they had a tin of Sardines,40 + years old,price still

on it 1/6, they opened it up and it was still perfect,and they did sample

it,so if tins are not damaged,rusty they should be ok for years.

regards Worgeordie