The Best Before Date Is Not an Expiry Date!

The best before date (BBD) does not indicate when a food product spoils but rather the point until which the manufacturer guarantees the product retains its original quality, taste, and nutritional value. Generally, foods can be consumed well beyond the BBD when stored under suitable conditions.

The shelf life of a food product is influenced by many factors, including its composition, preparation, production process, packaging materials, and the expertise and reliability of the manufacturer. A trusted manufacturer determines the BBD based on extensive internal product tests, microbiological studies, and years of experience.

Important:

Trust the manufacturer and their quality standards. A reputable producer ensures the specified BBD serves as a reliable guide for consumers through proven procedures.

The Shelf Life of Canned Foods – Tradition in Transition

Canned foods have been a proven method for safe and long-term food storage for over 200 years. However, legal changes in the EU require adjustments: From 2025, protective coatings in cans must comply with new regulations, significantly impacting the shelf life of products sterilized in autoclaves.

The ban on certain chemical additives means new coatings lose elasticity and hardness. As a result, canned foods coated with these legally required coatings can no longer ensure their long-term durability after autoclave sterilization.

Our solution is to transition to modern, multi-layer aluminum composite pouches. This innovative packaging technology offers not only comparable but, in many ways, superior characteristics to meet the high demands of our customers.

Shelf Life of Canned Foods – Old vs. New

Products with old protective coatings (before 2025):

These cans continue to offer proven durability of up to 10 years or more, depending on storage conditions and product type.

Products with new protective coatings (from 2025):

The new EU requirements for protective coatings reduce the shelf life of canned foods, especially wet-processed products, to a maximum of 24 to 36 months.

Important Information:

This limitation only applies to products manufactured under the new standards. Products already stored with old protective coatings retain their original shelf life.

The Future of Long-Term Storage: Aluminum Composite Pouches

To continue providing our customers with the highest quality and maximum durability, we are transitioning to modern aluminum composite pouches. This packaging technology offers numerous advantages:

• Longer Shelf Life: Durability of 10 years or more.
• Optimal Storage Capabilities: Protection against moisture, light, and oxygen through a six-layer composite structure.
• Sustainability: BPA-free and recyclable.
• Practical: Resealable thanks to an integrated zipper.
• Breakage-Proof: No damage like with cans.

Why the Transition?

The shift to aluminum composite pouches is driven not only by new EU regulations but also by conviction. These packaging solutions ensure long-term food supply with the highest quality standards while minimizing ecological and production challenges.

Complete Cans vs. Freeze-Dried Foods for Emergency Supplies

When choosing emergency supplies, canned foods and freeze-dried products are often compared. While canned foods are traditionally known for their robustness and long shelf life, freeze-dried foods offer critical advantages that make them the ideal choice for modern emergency supplies:

• Retention of Nutrients: The gentle freeze-drying process preserves vital trace elements, vitamins, and minerals almost entirely.
• Longer Shelf Life: Freeze-dried foods have a shelf life of up to 25 years – much longer than most canned foods.
• Lightweight and Compact: Without water, freeze-dried products are extremely lightweight and space-saving – ideal for limited storage capacity or mobile applications.
• Diversity and Taste: Freeze-dried meals offer a wide range of flavors and dishes that remain fresh even after years.
• No Quality Changes: The product quality remains unchanged even after years of storage.
• Quick Preparation: Simply add hot or cold water, and the food is ready to eat in minutes.

Questions? We’re Here for You!

If you need more information about the shelf life of our products or our new packaging technology, feel free to contact us. Your safety and satisfaction are our priorities.