“”””Even though it never actually expires there is a reason they do that. Over time it absorbs moisture from the air and becomes as hard as a rock in one clump. So even though it is still good, it cannot be used as advertised and originally packaged.””””
That is an absolute fact and a wonderful example, and preppers need to let that register, much of the dating is for guaranteeing that it will be as perfect as when it left the plant, not safety.
I’ve eaten poorly stored canned cabbage (a So. Cal. coastal garage) that was over 25 years old and it was OK but the color was lighter than it should be and the texture was (possibly) a little mushier than when new.
Ralph Nader had a lot to do with those practices...