About | Food Safety

Information on Shelf Life of Food Bank Products

About | Food Safety

Shelf Stable Items Past Code

Many of the shelf-stable items you receive are donated and may be past code dates (sell by date, use by date, etc.). It is safe to eat these foods. Check with your Pantry Coordinator for the safe window of time for different foods.

Frozen Food

You will often receive meat that is past code date. This meat was frozen before code date and is therefore safe to eat. Before cooking meat, be sure to thaw completely and never thaw at room temperature.

Fresh Produce

Often, produce from the Food Bank may not be “perfect”. However, it is okay to eat with a bit of preparation. For example, if the lettuce is brown on the edges, you can tear off the edges and still have a full head of lettuce. Soft spots can be cut off so you can enjoy the rest.

About

Do not consume food from cans or jars if:

  • Container is leaking or stained
  • Lids are loose or missing
  • Container is swollen
  • Safety seals are broken or missing
  • Container is badly dented, crimped or pinched
  • Container is rusty
  • Container is cracked
  • Foul odor exists
  • Food exhibits changed color or odor

Do not eat food from boxes if:

  • Bag inside is torn or leaking
  • Is open or torn
  • Bag inside has moldy or foreign objects inside
  • Has live or dead insects, webs or droppings
  • Bag inside has ripped seals
  • Is stained or wet

For longest life of foods:

  • Keep shelf stable products in a clean, dry and cool place
  • Keep your refrigerator at 40 degrees F or lower
  • Keep your freezer at 0 degrees F

Remember for all foods:

WHEN IN DOUBT, THROW IT OUT!!!

For more information on shelf life of specific foods, please click here.

©2006 Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. Printed with permission.

A cross-section of a red onion showing concentric rings and layers, with a white core in the center, set against a white background—an essential pantry staple that supports Feeding America’s mission to provide food help nationwide.