Based on DOD 4145.19-R-1
(In Months)
The "Best If Used By" date is intended to tell you how long the product will retain best flavor or quality. The term is not a safety date. "Best If Used By" dates are intended as useful guidelines. Some foods may deteriorate more quickly and other foods may last longer than the times suggested.
A number of factors can shorten the useful life of a food product, such as improper handling and inadequate storage temperatures. The inventory control method of "first-in, first-out" should be practiced by those responsible for managing commodity inventories and distribution at the State and local levels. Products kept past the "Best If Used By" date are not necessarily "out of condition." Food products may be eaten after the "Best If Used By" date if the product has been properly stored, handled, and the primary container is in good condition.
GROUP A Storage Time in Months
| Dry | 40° F | 70° F | 90° F |
| Fruit | |||
| Applesauce, cnd | 48 | 24 | 12 |
| Apple Slices, cnd | 48 | 24 | 12 |
| Apricots, cnd | 48 | 24 | 12 |
| Cherries, cnd | 36 | 18 | 9 |
| Date Pieces | Refrigerate for up to 5 months - freeze for up to 1 year. | ||
| Fig Nuggets | Store at 55° F or below for up to one year. | ||
| Mixed Fruit, cnd | 48 | 24 | 12 |
| Peaches, cnd | 48 | 24 | 12 |
| Pears, cnd | 36 | 18 | 9 |
| Pineapple, cnd | 48 | 24 | 12 |
| Plums, cnd | 36 | 18 | 9 |
| Plum/Prune Puree | Store in cool, dry area. Use within 9 months of delivery. | ||
| Prunes, Pitted, Dried | 18 | 9 | 5 |
| Raisins, Seedless | 18 | 9 | 5 |
| Beans, Dried | |||
| Beans, Blkeye | 24 | 12 | 9 |
| Beans, Great Northern | 24 | 12 | 9 |
| Beans, Lt Kidney | 24 | 12 | 9 |
| Beans, Red Kidney | 24 | 12 | 9 |
| Lentils | 24 | 12 | 9 |
| Beans, Lima | 24 | 12 | 9 |
| Beans, Pea | 24 | 12 | 9 |
| Beans, Split Pea | 24 | 12 | 9 |
| Beans, Pinto | 24 | 12 | 9 |
| Beans, Sm Red | 24 | 12 | 9 |
| Vegetables | |||
| Beans, Veg, cnd | 48 | 24 | 12 |
| Beans, dry, cnd | 72 | 36 | 18 |
| Beans, Refried (lowfat), cnd | 72 | 36 | 18 |
| Beans, Green, cnd | 48 | 24 | 12 |
| Carrots, cnd | 60 | 30 | 15 |
| Corn, cnd | 72 | 36 | 18 |
| Peas, cnd | 72 | 36 | 18 |
| Salsa, cnd | 48 | 24 | 12 |
| Spaghetti Sauce, Meatless, cnd | 48 | 24 | 12 |
| Sweet Potatoes, cnd | 48 | 24 | 12 |
| Tomato Paste, cnd | 36 | 18 | 9 |
| Tomato Products, cnd | 48 | 24 | 12 |
| Meat/Meat Alternatives | |||
| Beef NJ, cnd | 60 | 36 | 18 |
| Pork NJ, cnd | 60 | 36 | 18 |
| Poultry, cnd | 60 | 36 | 18 |
| Lunch Meat, cnd (Offshore) | 60 | 36 | 18 |
| Egg Mix, dry | Store in cool, dry place - use within 12-15 months. | ||
| Cheeses | * | * | * |
| Salmon, Pink, cnd | 72 | 36 | 18 |
| Salmon, Pouches | 72 | 36 | 18 |
| Tuna, cnd | 72 | 36 | 18 |
| Group B | |||
| Bakery Mix (reg. & lowfat) | 12 | 6 | 3 |
| Bulgur (cracked wheat) | Store in cool, dry place - use within 4 months. | ||
| Flour, all types | 24 | 12 | 6 |
| Cornmeal | 24 | 12 | 6 |
| Grits, Corn | 24 | 12 | 6 |
| Milk, NFD (non-fat, dried) | 24 | 12 | 3 |
| Oats Rolled, Quick | 24 | 12 | 6 |
| Pasta Products | 72 | 36 | 18 |
| Rice, Brown | At 36-40F - use in 6 months. At 50-70F use in 3 months. | ||
| Rice, Milled | 48 | 24 | 12 |
| Peanut Butter (reg. & red. fat) | 36 | 18 | 9 |
| Peanut Granules | 60 | 24 | 12 |
| Peanuts Roasted | 60 | 24 | 12 |
| Vegetable Shortening | 48 | 24 | 12 |
| Vegetable Oil | 24 | 12 | 6 |
| Salad Oil Dressing | 24 | 12 | 6 |
| Salad Dressing, Reduced Calorie | 8 | 5 | 2 |
| Wheat, Rolled, Quick | 24 | 12 | 6 |
| Honey** | 48 | 24 | 12 |
| Butter** | Store for 30 days at 32-35F | ||
* Processed American and Cheddar Cheese can be kept for 18 months at a constant 32F in its original package. After opening, it can be kept well wrapped at 30-35F for 3-4 weeks.
* Mozzarella Cheese can be frozen at 0F for one year in its original package. After opening, it can be kept well wrapped at 30-35F for 3-4 weeks.
* Lite Mozzarella Cheese is best used within 5 months when stored between 38-42F in its original package.
* Reduced Fat Cheddar Cheese is best if used within 5 months when stored below 40F in its original package.
** No longer Purchased (may have in inventory).
FROZEN FOODS
| Group A | 0° F or Below* |
| Fruit | |
| Apple Slices | 18 months |
| Blackberries | 18 months |
| Blueberries | 18 months |
| Cherries | 24 months |
| Orange Juice | 24 months |
| Orange Juice, Single Service Cartons | 9 months |
| Peaches | 18 months |
| Peaches, Individual Cups | 18 months |
| Strawberries, Sliced, IQF | 15 months |
| Vegetables | |
| Beans, Green | 12 months |
| Carrots | 24 months |
| Corn | 24 months |
| Corn, Cobbetts | 9 months |
| Peas, Green | 14 months |
| Potato, Oven Type | 12 months |
| Potato, Rounds | 12 months |
| Potato, Wedges | 12 months |
| Sweet Potatoes | 12 months |
| Meat/Meat Alternatives | |
| Beef, Ground, Bulk | 9 months |
| Beef, Patties 100%, w/VPP & Lean | 4 months |
| Beef Roasts | 12 months |
| Chicken Parts, Cooked, Breaded | 4 months |
| Chicken, Leg Quarters | 8 months |
| Chicken, Cut Up | 8 months |
| Chicken Meat, Cooked, Diced | 6 months |
| Eggs, Whole | 1 year |
| Ham, Cooked, Boneless | 1-2 years |
| Pork, Ground | 9 months |
| Pork, Sausage, Bulk | 3 months |
| Pork, Sausage Patties | 3 months |
| Salmon Nuggets | 6 months |
| Turkey Burgers | 4 months |
| Turkey, Ground | 3 months |
| Turkey Ham | 4 months |
| Turkey Roast | 7 months |
| Turkey Sausage, Chubs | 3 months |
| Turkey, Whole | 9 months |
* Store off the floor and away from walls to allow for circulation of cold air. Temperature changes shorten shelf life and speed deterioration.