Best before dates

[jon1968]

A daft question but whilst unpacking the shopping today I noticed that the tin of mackerel has a best before date of Feb 2011.
I know tins will probably last for years (if not forever) but is there a limit to how far in the future a best before date can be printed?

P.S. As an aside I had a quick rummage but the mackerel is currently winning in the longevity stakes in my cupboard - can anybody beat Feb 2011?

[redmug100]

Best before means that after that date the food might start to loose its flavor. Generally with computerised distibution it is rare nowadays to find a BB date lasting more than 18 months. I dont think theres any law saying a limit.

Cant beat lonativity in that direction but I have a tin of treacle in the cupboard dated Best Before Dec 94!

[jon1968]

Blimey Redmug what do you use that for........... tiling the bathroom??!

[shaneystar2]

I have a tin of Sainsburys sardines in the pantry best before March 2011..Lol !!

[PhilBy]

Toddles off to the kitchen............ Nope, best I can do is a tin of Jersey new(??) potatoes at 30/11/2010

[jon1968]

Oooh Shaney, I�m gutted - beaten by a month!!

[ugly_bob]

my vinegar never goes out of date ;-)

[jon1968]

Neither does my Gin Bob but that�s cheating ;-)
Gotta have a date on it!!

[ian.miller]

Honey last for centuries (literally) if it isn't exposed to air.