IMHO, that's a mistake. Why throw out something that has potential value? I've read that undented canned food can last a decade or more. The expiration date is just a guess, there for legal reasons more than anything else.
If I'm wrong about this, I hope someone here on FR will correct me.
1980, basic training, USAF, I got served C-rations from the Korean war. Had Chesterfield(tm) cigarettes in it. I ate everything, smoked the cigarettes, and have survived to this day.
The butt floss they included almost killed me when I had to use it. That stuff is rough.
/johnny
You are correct the date is suggestive, especially for canned food. things like peanut butter even sealed will go rancid, especial if not kept cool.
The idea of the post is to show there are plenty of long term foods for your storage that are not expensive and readily available and eaten by all. I like the ranch style beans they they picture take a can of them (with Jalapenos) and mix it with a couple cups of cooked rice and you have some good eating.
If the can is swollen though the only potential it has is possibly as a bio-weapon. ;-)
I’ve heard the same thing from multiple sources. Canned food really doesn’t lose any flavor or nutritional value in long-term storage.
I rotate my stocks of everything else, but leave the cans alone, for the most part.
“I’ve read that undented canned food can last a decade or more.”
I’m just rotating-out some Campbell’s Chicken Noodle, Vegetable, Chicken Rice, Split Pea and Tomato Soups which have *2006* stamped on them - I’ve been *prepping* since 9-11 - and they’re just fine. Same with Saltines and Ritz Crackers. As long as the can isn’t dented, kept dry and cool, it’ll (probably) last longer than the mfgr’s dreaded expiration date. (Contents may settle in shipment and your mileage may vary.)