Pouches--7 Year Shelf Life
As of 2006, we have changed our shelf life from 5 years to 7 YEARS!! Based on storage studies conducted over many years, our shelf life is at least 7 years from date of manufacture, as long as pouch is stored unopened in a cool area. After 7 years, a change in flavor and appearance may be noticed. For best results, avoid prolonged storage at temperatures above 75° F (24° C).#10 Cans-- 25 Year Shelf Life
Mountain House® freeze-dried foods are packed in airtight NITROGEN PACKED #10 cans. Up to 98% of the residual oxygen has been removed. Our unique canning process uses both vacuum oxygen removal and nitrogen flushing. This is a time consuming and slightly more costly process…but well worth it. It is the same process mandated by the U.S. Military for whom we also can. Our foods will have the longest shelf life available…up to 30 years! We've been around for 40 years so we know first hand. We invite you to compare. Each can is coated with a protective enamel inside and out for double protection, including the lid. The can contents are protected until you are ready to open and use them. After opening, we recommend using the contents within 1 week for best results and taste; using the convenient resealable plastic lid between uses. Treat any leftover food as you would fresh food.
Manufacture Date
The product manufacturing code appears on the back of Mountain House® pouches and on the bottom of Mountain House® cans. The date in the code represents the date on which the product was packaged. January of 2001 we are now printing BEST IF USED BYdates on the back of each pouch.
1989 and after:
EXAMPLE: 99028 CIA
| 99 = | Year |
| 028 = | Julian Date (example = 28th day of the year = January 28) |
| CIA = | Production Operator's Initials |
Prior to 1989:
EXAMPLE: T20394D
| T = | Year (example "T" = 1987; see below*) |
| 203 = | Julian Date (example = 203rd day of the year = July 22) |
| 94D = | Internal tracking system code number |
*The year code can be understood as follows:
| A | 1970 | F | 1975 | K | 1980 | R | 1985 |
| B | 1971 | G | 1976 | L | 1981 | S | 1986 |
| C | 1972 | H | 1977 | M | 1982 | T | 1987 |
| D | 1973 | I | 1978 | N | 1983 | U | 1988 |
| E | 1974 | J | 1979 | P | 1984 | ||