I found this guide looking for typical shelf life of canned and packaged meal foods. I'm suprised how much you can go past the "Use by" date on the canned and prepacked stuff.

http://www.pittsburghfoodbank.org/pdf/shelflifeguide.pdf

Thanks for the link, Mark. Probably best to print out a document like this. If a disaster ever happens, I know many people are going to be scrounging through their pantries and the back of their refrigerators wondering if various foodstuffs are still "good".

Thanks! I have a lot of arguments about wasting good food. At least now I have something that helps the discussion. And although the article states not to use meds past their expiration, my doctors/dentists often tell me to go ahead and use them. I always tell them what the medication is and the expiration date. I also store them "properly." Drug life/strength does vary, so ask your doctor of course. (I've heard some--very rare--can become toxic.)