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 BY
dates 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 | ||