FAQs

Some of our specialty items are available on this website for purchase by the case. We recommend talking to the store manager or customer service desk at your supermarket and requesting the product. Consumer demand speaks volumes! If the above has not worked, please e-mail our Consumer Affairs Department with your complete address so that we can search for a store in your area.

As a self-manufacturer of cans used for the majority of its products, Seneca Foods has been working since 2009 to develop alternatives to epoxy-based can linings, of which BPA is a component. Significant progress has been made toward this objective, and we are now pleased to announce that effective with the 2019 pack, 100% of the cans we make and use are made without the intentional addition of BPA (Bisphenol A) in the can lining. There are some exceptions with products packed in glass and plastic bottles, and cans with pull-top lids. (Some tops and lids of these containers have epoxy-based linings.) Additionally, high-acid sauerkraut, pickled beet and bean salad products will continue to be packed in epoxy-lined cans for the foreseeable future. We are exploring alternative solutions for these products as well, and will announce them as they become available.

Processed with very few additives, which are listed on our labels’ ingredient statements, the majority of our canned fruit and vegetable products are by nature, gluten-free. Any questions regarding the gluten content of a particular product can be answered by contacting Consumer Affairs.

As required by the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2004, all allergenic ingredients, regardless of the amount or function in the food, must be listed in the ingredient statement on the label. The major allergens (also referred to as "The Big 8") include: milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, wheat, peanuts, and soybeans. We also recognize sensitizing agents such as sulfites, monosodium glutamate (MSG) and FD&C Yellow #5 and #6 which will be declared in the ingredient statement. Sometimes "spices" or "natural flavoring" terminology may be used in the ingredient statement. Corporations use these terms to protect proprietary recipes, however, if any of the above allergens are present in these "spices" or "natural flavorings" they must be clearly listed in the ingredients.

Yes, we understand that some consumers require lower sodium products in their diet. We carry 4 different items under the Libby's® Natural label: Naturals Cut Green Beans, Naturals French Style Green Beans, Naturals Whole Kernel Corn, and Naturals Sweet Peas. We also offer several "No Salt" added products under our Private Label, International, and Foodservice labels.

Yes, we offer Cut Green Beans, Whole Kernel Corn, Sweet Peas, and many dry bean items under our Private Label and Branded labels.

The three-part study conducted by the University of Massachusetts (UMass) found that recipes using canned ingredients are similar in nutritional and taste value to those made with fresh or frozen items. Canned and frozen vegetables are packed shortly after being harvested, which helps preserve nutrients.

Read more on our corporate site here

Pesticide residues are virtually never present in packaged foods, including canned foods. The washing, peeling and other food preparation steps of the canning process significantly reduce any pesticide residues present on raw crops.

Not necessarily, but some good judgment should be used. Rust or dents do not affect the contents of the can as long as the can does not leak. If the can is leaking, however, or if the ends are bulged, the food should not be used. These containers should be returned unopened to the place of purchase.

Some cans may hiss because they are vacuum-packed and the noise is a result of air pressure, which is perfectly normal. However, if a can hisses loudly or spurts when opened, it may be an indication that the food is spoiled.

As a general guideline our fruit and vegetable products are best if used within 24 to 36 months from date of manufacture depending on storage conditions. Products which are acidic in nature (ie: sauerkraut, pickled beets, three bean salad, and pickled red cabbage) as well as any items packed in glass jars, are best if used within 18 to 24 months from date of manufacture (also depending on storage conditions). We recommend that all canned fruit and vegetable products be stored in a cool, dry place.

As a general guideline our frozen vegetable products are best if used within 24 months from date of manufacture depending on storage conditions. Product must be kept frozen and sealed.

The manufacturing code is a series of letters and numbers that has been printed onto either the lid or the bottom of the container. It generally consists of two lines of information (see example below). Glass packed vegetables are printed on the lid while fruits packed in plastic jars are printed on the neck of the jar. The first position is a letter and is the month in which it was manufactured: A=January, B=February, C=March, etc. The second position is a number and is the last digit of the year in which it was manufactured: 8=2018, 9=2019, 0=2020, 1=2021, etc.

After opening, canned foods should be refrigerated in a sealed plastic or glass container. They should retain their quality for at least 3 days. Pickled items may last longer, but it all depends on the amount of times the container is opened and exposed to air and bacteria. If there is an off appearance/odor, we recommend disposing of the remaining product.