State of Nevada

State of Nevada
Department of  Administration
Purchasing Division
 

 Seal of Nevada
 

"BEST IF USED BY" GUIDE

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" [FIFO] should be practiced by those responsible for managing commodity inventories and distribution at the State and local level. Length of storage period is in relationship to pack date. Suggested temperatures do not preclude contamination by rodents and insects, assuming storage in original unopened containers. Store foods off the floor, and away from walls to allow for circulation of air. 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.

Recommended Maximum Storage Period In Months

Frozen

Refrigerated

Dry Storage

0o F or below

40o F

70o F

90o F

(-18o C)

(4o C)

(21o C)

(32o C)

BEANS & PEAS

Beans, cnd

-

72

36

18

Beans, Dried

-

24

12

9

Beans, Refried, cnd

-

72

36

18

Beans, Vegetarian, cnd

-

48

24

12

Lentils, Dried

-

24

12

9

Peas, Black-Eyed, cnd

-

72

36

18

Peas, Black-Eyed, Dried

-

24

12

9

DAIRY

(Cheese is located on the last page)

Milk, Nonfat, Dry

-

24

12

3

FRUIT

Apple Slices, cnd

-

48

24

12

Apple Slices, Frz

18

-

-

-

Apples, Fresh

-

1 - 4

-

-

Applesauce, cnd

-

48

24

12

Apricots, cnd

-

48

24

12

Apricots, Sliced, Frz

18

-

-

-

Blackberries, Frz

18

-

-

-

Blackberry Puree, Frz

18

-

-

-

Blueberries, Frz

18

-

-

-

Cherries, cnd

-

36

18

9

Cherries, Frz

24

-

-

-

Date Products

-

5

-

-

Date Products, Frz

12

-

-

-

Fig Nuggets

-

24

-

-

Figs, Whole, Dried

-

36 weeks

18 weeks

9 weeks

Fruit Cocktail, cnd

-

48

24

12

Grapefruit, Fresh

-

1

-

-

Orange Juice, Concentrate, Frz

24

-

-

-

Orange Juice, Single Serve, Frz

9

-

-

-

Oranges, Fresh

-

1

-

-

Peaches, cnd

-

48

24

12

Peaches, Sliced Freestone, Frz

18

-

-

-

Pears, cnd

-

36

18

9

Pears, Fresh

-

3

-

-

Pineapple, cnd

-

48

24

12

Plum/Prune Puree

-

-

9

-

Plums, cnd

-

36

18

9

Prunes, Pitted, Dried

-

18

9

5

Raisins

-

18

9

5

Raspberry Puree, Frz

18

-

-

-

Strawberries, IQF, Frz

15

-

-

-

Strawberries, Sliced, Sweetened, Frz

15

-

-

-

GRAINS & CEREALS

Bakery Mix (Regular & Lowfat)

-

12

6

3

Bulgur (Cracked Wheat)

-

-

4

-

Cornmeal

-

24

12

6

Flour

-

24

12

6

Macaroni, Spaghetti, Rotini (Spirals)

-

72

36

18

Oats, Rolled, Quick

-

24

12

6

Rice, Brown

-

6

3

-

Rice, White, Enriched, Parboiled

-

30

20

10

Rice, White, Enriched, Regular

-

48

24

12

Wheat, Rolled, Quick

-

24

12

6

MEATS, POULTRY, FISH

Beef Roasts, Ready to Cook, Frz

12

-

-

-

Beef, cnd with Natural Juices

-

60

36

18

Beef, Ground, Bulk, Frz

9

-

-

-

Beef, Ground, Patties, Frz

4

-

-

-

Chicken Meat, Cooked, Diced, Frz

6

-

-

-

Chicken Parts, Cooked, Breaded, Frz

4

-

-

-

Chicken, cnd, Boned

-

60

36

18

Chicken, Cut-up, Frz

8

-

-

-

Chicken, Thighs & Drumsticks, Frz

8

-

-

-

Egg Mix, All Purpose

-

12 - 15

-

-

Eggs, Pasteurized, Whole, Frz

12

-

-

-

Ham, Cooked, Frz

6

-

-

-

Pork Sausage, Frz

3

-

-

-

Pork, cnd with Natural Juices

-

60

36

18

Pork, Ground, Frz

9

-

-

-

Salmon Nuggets, Frz

6

-

-

-

Salmon, Pink

-

72

36

18

Tuna, Chunk Light, cnd in Water

-

72

36

18

Turkey Breast, Deli-Style, Frz

4

-

-

-

Turkey Roasts, Frz

7

-

-

-

Turkey Sausage, Frz

3

-

-

-

Turkey, Ground, Frz

3

-

-

-

Turkey, Whole, Frz

9

-

-

-

VEGETABLES

Beans, Green, cnd

-

48

24

12

Beans, Green, Frz

12

-

-

-

Carrots, cnd

-

60

30

15

Carrots, Frz

12

-

-

-

Corn, Kernel, cnd

-

72

36

18

Corn, Kernel, Frz

24

-

-

-

Peas, Green, cnd

-

72

36

18

Peas, Green, Frz

14

-

-

-

Potato Wedges, Frz

12

-

-

-

Potatoes, French Fried & Rounds, Frz

12

-

-

-

Potatoes, Fresh

-

2

-

-

Potatoes, Instant or Sliced, dehy

-

12

6

3

Salsa, Tomato, cnd

-

48

24

12

Spaghetti Sauce, Meatless

-

48

24

12

Sweet Potatoes, cnd

-

48

24

12

Sweet Potatoes, Frz

12

-

-

-

Tomato Paste, cnd

-

36

18

9

Tomato Sauce, cnd

-

48

24

12

Tomatoes, cnd

-

48

24

12

OTHER

Peanut Butter

-

36

18

9

Peanuts, Roasted

-

60

24

12

Salad Dressing, Reduced Calorie

-

8

5

2

Vegetable Oil

-

24

12

6

Vegetable Shortening

-

48

24

12

Walnuts, Shelled

20

10

-

-

Adapted from USDA Fact Sheets (http://www.usda.gov/fcs/commodities) and USDA Food and Nutrition Service