How to follow ‘best by’ dates

There is a debate in our local food pantry about how long commercially canned goods are safe to use. Does the government have criteria on how long past the “best by” dates things can be used? Would 2021-23 cans be safe for use in 2024?

— A Reader in Mississippi

DEAR HELOISE >> DEAR READER IN MISSISSIPPI

>> Canned goods will last for years just as long as the can itself remains in good condition. That means no rust and no dents, and the can cannot be swollen or bulging anywhere.

Products that are packaged goods, such as pasta, cereal or cookies, are safe past their “best by” date. But do note that over time, they may become stale, or the flavor could be different, often unpleasant. Toss out any food that has insect infestation. Not only is there the danger of insect waste or disease, there is also the problem of insect eggs.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the “best by” dates are generally found on the top or bottom of a can. However, an expiration date is very rarely found on canned foods. If the food was canned at home rather than commercially canned, the USDA recommends consuming it within the first year.

There are some foods that have an extremely long shelf life. Honey was once found in an Egyptian tomb dated from around 3,000 B.C. that was still edible! Dried beans, vinegar, rice and powdered milk seem to have an exceptionally long shelf life as well.

DEAR HELOISE >> My three college housemates and I are renting a townhouse. Things have been working out fine, except when it comes to laundry. We’ve managed to shrink two sweaters to a size that fits our little dog, ruined two silk shirts and “set stains” by using hot water instead of cold.

My sister suggested that I write to you for some kind of pamphlet you wrote with instructions on how to clean clothing. Please tell us how to get one of those pamphlets before we ruin every piece of clothing we own.

— Mike, Noah, Dave and Adam, Ann Arbor, Michigan

DEAR MIKE, NOAH, DAVE AND

ADAM >> My pamphlet “Heloise’s Handy Stain Guide for Clothing” has all the instructions you’ll need to do laundry. Getting a copy is very easy. Just go to Heloise. com or send $5, along with a stamped, self-addressed, long envelope to: Heloise/ Stain Guide, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 782795001. I think this will make your lives a little easier and cleaner.

DEAR HELOISE >> My volunteer work with a local animal shelter has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. But as much as I enjoy working with animals, I’m often all too shocked by the state of some of the animals that are brought in and left with us.

DEAR ABBY >> First, please remember that a pet is a family member. They are not disposable items you can dump by the side of the road when you grow tired of them. Second, all animals need love, good food, clean water and a home that they can go inside when it’s cold outside. When you bring an animal home either as a pet or a guard dog, you take them for their entire life.