OK I hit up the market and started stocking up on some canned goods.<br><br>A lot of products don't have expiration dates written on them, just some cryptic numbers and letters. I have no idea what they mean. Is it some sort of commercial code for expiration date, or production dates or what? Should I avoid buying products (eg. Hormel's chili) without expiration codes on them?<br><br>If not, should I assume a 1-year shelf-life?

Those letter and numerical codes are for tracing in case of recalls. If it doesn't have an expiration date you can assume much longer shelf life than a year. Mark everything with date of purchase and contents ( labels can fall off.) In can goods always check to see if the container is bulging. That is a sure sign of contamination. As with anything, storage in a cool dark location will extend shelf life. Most canned goods are loaded with preservatives. How much? A contemporary human body takes longer to decompose ( all conditions identical ) than our grandparents.