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.