There is no magic date. It will depend on the quality of the food to begin with, the quality and type of container and the subsequent handling and storage thereof. Even canned, food will degrade and change color, texture and flavor. I have used some items that were a year past the coded date. They were edible, but I could tell the difference when compared to newer product.
Many canned foods are coded with 2 and even 3 year shelf lives. But for best quality and nutrition, plan to use canned goods within a year. If you are trying to maintain a cache of canned foods, use product throughout the year and replace it with fresh stock. Use the FIFO method - First In First Out. Always use the oldest items first.
Production Date
In theory: Quite some time. In fact: Canned food becomes more and more tasteless and unappetizing as it ages. In practice: Discard canned food past it's expiration date.
Canned icing can typically be safe to use for a few months past its expiration date if it has been stored properly and remains sealed. However, it's essential to check for any signs of spoilage, such as an off smell, discoloration, or mold. If the icing has been opened, it's usually best to use it within 2-3 weeks, even if it's still within the expiration timeframe. Always prioritize food safety when deciding to use products past their expiration date.
If there is an expiration date on canned food, it will generally be on one of the can ends. Sometimes you might find it on the label. Not all canning companies will put an expiration date on their products.
You can tell if canned cat food is bad by checking for signs like a foul odor, unusual appearance, or mold growth. Additionally, if the food has passed its expiration date or if your cat refuses to eat it, it may be spoiled.
Anchovies may not be quite as tasty after the expiration date but being packed in oil, canned and salted you aren't in any danger from food poisoning if they are only a month past.
Any can liquid or food can be used after expiration date about 5 months. I tried it and nothing happened.
The expiration date on any food item is the date after which you are supposed to throw away the product because it is no longer considered safe to eat. If it is unopened and canned and only a few days past that date, it may still be okay. Otherwise, throw it away. The expiration date will vary dependent upon when the product was made, so you should check the lid of the bottle or the bottom of the can. May also be listed as a "Best By" date.
By use I believe you mean eat. Canned food may still be safe to eat after the expiration date IF the can has no damage to it and has no signs of bloating. Any dents deformities or damage to a can may allow it to grow botulism. This a deadly food born pathogen THAT CAN KILL YOU!Most expiration dates on unrefrigerated, non temperature sensitive items like dried pasta are there because it loses flavor or the preservatives lose effectiveness and they clump or lose color.
close to expiration date or passed expiration date
The FDA does not require companies to put expiration dates on any foods.
Most canned foods don't have an exact expiration date. Unless they were improperly canned, they are not degrading in the same way uncanned food does - but they will deteriorate in nutrition and quality. If the can has a best-by date on it, try to use it before then. If not, try to use it within a year of purchase. If home-canned, try to use it before the next harvest. As always, check canned goods for signs of spoilage before using them.