I agree with Architect; I think most canned goods are safe beyond--well beyond-- their labled expiration dates. I think expiration dates are at least a little bit marketing ploy; get people to throw them out and buy new. I well remember when canned goods had no expiration dates and they were considered good almost indefinitely as long as the can looked sound and wasn't bulging. I think Arch is right in his analysis and procedural approach. Not medical advice, of course <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />. As an aside, I have been making a practice of eating out-of date food of a variety of sorts, and haven't had a bad experience yet. Though I'm not talking about fresh food, of course.