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Shelf Life Expectancy
Freeze-dried foods are sealed in airtight Pouches and in Cans that the food industry refers to as #10 Cans. Mountain House uses the same process mandated by the U.S. Military. Their unique process uses both vacuum oxygen removal and nitrogen flushing.
Mountain House foods have excellent flavor, convenience, and storability. The Mountain House name is your assurance of premium quality foods that may be stored for years. The exclusive Mountain House freeze drying process locks in the natural flavors and colors of our premium-quality foods. Mountain House freeze dried foods have the flavor appeal of freshly frozen foods, with added energey saving advantages so important every day, and especially during emergencies.
Pouches have a 7 Year Shelf Life
As of 2006, Mountain House changed the shelf life from 5 years to 7 YEARS!! Based on storage studies conducted over many years, 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 degrees F (24 degrees C).
#10 Cans have a 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 25 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.
Ice Cream's and Organic Fruit Snacks have a 2 year shelf life
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. As of January of 2001 Mountain House is 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
