Proper Storage

     To safeguard shelf-life, HeaterMeals must be stored at 80 degrees Fahrenheit or below.

     The following charts provide guidelines on shelf-life for HeaterMeals and HeaterMeals Plus entrees served in trays, and HeaterMeals 3 Self-Heating Meal Kits and HeaterMeals EX Entrees served in pouches, when stored under a variety of temperatures.  When trying to determine whether or not a meal is suitable for consumption after a period of time, it is sometimes impossible to determine the temperature under which food has been stored. 

    The longer shelf-life listed can be attained, if the food has been kept under controlled conditions for the entire time period noted.

     Please note: HeaterMeals Lunch & Dinner Entrees, and HeaterMeals Plus Lunch & Dinner Meal Kits, are packaged in 12 to 13 ounce retort trays.

     HeaterMeals 3 Self-Heating Meal Kits and HeaterMeals EX Entrees, Designed for EXtended Storage, are packaged in 12-ounce retort pouch entrees, giving the meal a longer shelf-life.  A separate serving dish is included with all HeaterMeals pouch entrees.

HeaterMeals Shelf-Life

	Packaged in a 12-13 ounce retort tray	HeaterMeals Lunch & Dinner Tray Entrees have a shelf-life of up to 2 years based on the production date.
	Packaged in a 12-13 ounce retort tray	HeaterMeals Breakfasts & HeaterMeals Plus with snacks have a shelf-life of up to 1 year based on the production date.
	Packaged in a 12-ounce retort pouch	HeaterMeals 3 Pouch Entrees with snacks have a shelf-life of up to 3 years based on the production date.
	Packaged in a 12-ounce retort pouch	HeaterMeals EX Lunch & Dinner Pouch Entrees have a shelf-life of up to 5 years based on the production date.

     All HeaterMeals come with a "Please Use By" date stamped on each box.  These are recommended consumption dates only - not "safety dates."

     This stamped date is up to two years for HeaterMeals Entrees, up to one year for HeaterMeals Plus, up to three years for HeaterMeals 3, and up to 5 years for HeaterMeals EX based on the production date.  The stamped date notes the optimum time to eat your HeaterMeals after packaging. Similar to properly stored canned food, HeaterMeals entrees lose a bit of color after the recommended consumption date, but are still nutritious and safe to consume after the "Please Use By" date.

HeaterMeals EX and EXtended Storage

     The food in HeaterMeals EX entrees is fully cooked, safety-sealed in a high barrier, flexible 4-layer foil pouch, then heated again under pressure to assure a safe, easy-to-store meal. The result is EXtended Storage without refrigeration and a ready-to-eat meal which retains its natural moisture, texture and taste.