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Purchasing
Canned Fruits Buy canned fruits that look
perfect. Carefully check dented cans for leakage and rust before buying. Cans
should be free of dents, cracks or bulging lids, which can indicate a serious
food poisoning threat. Dusty cans or torn labels may indicate old stock. Also
check for pull dates. Product Dating: Dates on
product packages recommend purchase or "use-by" dates. They are not safety dates.
Product dating is voluntary and not required by federal regulations (except for
infant formula and some baby foods). Since product
dating is voluntary by federal regulations, a retailer may legally sell foods
beyond the date on the package as long as the product is wholesome. However, it
is not legal to alter, change or cover up a date on a product packaged under federal
inspection. The product may continue to be offered for sale but the expired date
must remain visible to the consumer. 
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