FAQ
Shelf-Life/ Storage
What is the shelf life of Del Monte canned products?
As a guideline, Del Monte canned products have a shelf-life of about 2- to 3 years from the date of production. This assumes the can isn't dented or damaged, and the product is stored under normal conditions. After that time, the color, flavor and texture of the food may begin to deteriorate, although the contents would still be safe. Incidentally, we do recommend that any swollen or leaking containers be discarded, regardless of age.
The majority of our canned products contain a Best By date on the can. If you have a Del Monte canned product without a "Best By" date, or you have further questions, please don't hesitate to contact us.
What is the shelf life of a Del Monte product after it is opened?
After opening, canned foods should retain their original quality for at least 2 to 3 days when refrigerated and sealed in a plastic or glass container. Del Monte Ketchup, Chili Sauce, Seafood Cocktail Sauce, Orchard Select Products, and SunFresh products will retain their quality for 1 to 2 weeks when stored in the refrigerator.
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Product Information
Is Bisphenol A (BPA) present in Del Monte Foods' product packaging?
Del Monte Foods top priority is the quality and safety of our products. We are firmly committed to providing clear and fact-based information about our products to consumers, whether through our advertising, marketing or other communication.
These are the facts around BPA:
All Del Monte Foods products are prepared and packaged using safe, FDA-approved processes and materials. Our products come in a variety of packaging, including plastic cups, paper-based packaging and metal cans. Our plastic and paper-based packaging do not use or contain Bisphenol A (BPA). Like most in the industry, the metal cans we use for our consumer products are produced by a third-party vendor, and they use protective coatings which contain trace amounts of BPA that fall well within current FDA guidelines. These coatings are the best method available on the market today for food preservation.
BPA is approved by the FDA for use in food contact applications, and for more than 40 years has played an essential part in food preservation. The safety of BPA has also been approved by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the World Health Organization (WHO), the Japanese National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, and Health Canada, after rigorous review of scientific data.
Del Monte Foods is committed to providing high quality, nutritious and great tasting products to consumers. The use of BPA is an industry-wide matter that is currently being reviewed by the FDA. We will continue to work closely with leading trade associations such as the Grocery Manufacturers Association and the International Food Information Council, to follow any developments in this area closely.
For more information on Bisphenol A (BPA), visit these Websites:
FDA:www.fda.gov.
IFIC:http://www.foodinsight.org/Resources/Detail.aspx?topic=Questions_and_Answers_About_Bisphenol_A_BPA_
American Plastics Council:www.bisphenol-a.org
Grocery Manufacturers Association:www.gmabrands.com/publications/SciPol_Bisphenol.pdf
Where can I get coupons for Del Monte products?
Several times during the year, we feature coupons and promotion offers for Del Monte products in magazines and the Sunday newspaper supplement section, so don't forget to watch for these special offers! We also periodically offer special promotions on our websites. Many of these are featured on our promotions page.
Which Del Monte Foods Consumer Products are Gluten-free?
The list below includes current Del Monte consumer products that, to the best of our knowledge, do not contain wheat, oats, rye or barley/malt ingredients.
The list may change or may not be complete due to formula changes or new product introductions. It's always best to read the ingredient statement on the label for the most current information.
Del Monte Gluten-Free Products
All Del Monte and S&W Canned/Jarred Fruits
All Del Monte Fruit Cup Snacks (Metal and Plastic), including Fruit Chillers
All Del Monte and S&W Canned Vegetables
All Del Monte, Contadina, and S&W Tomatoes & Tomato Products (except Del Monte Spaghetti Sauce Flavored with Meat, and Contadina Tomato Paste with Italian Herbs)
Del Monte 100% Fruit Juices
Harvest Selections Santa Fe Style Rice and Beans, Homestyle Chili with Beans.
College Inn Garden Vegetable Broth and Organic Beef Broth, Beef Sirloin Bold Stock, White Wine & Herb Culinary Broth.
What is your Modified Food Starch derived from?
Our Modified Food Starch is derived from corn. It is gluten-free.
Will the common allergens be listed in the ingredient statement on your products?
Yes! In accordance with the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2004, if one of our products contains any of the eight major allergens (milk, eggs, fish, Crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, and soybeans), it will be clearly labeled. All ingredient statements indicate the potential for an allergen in parentheses immediately behind the potential allergenic ingredient. In addition, we have specific policies in each of our plants to avoid the potential for cross contamination between products.
We encourage consumers to check the label, specifically the ingredient statement; this will identify the potential allergens in a product.
Is canned food fully cooked?
Yes, canned products are fully cooked.
My recipe calls for a Number 303 or Number 2 can. What size is that?
Some older recipes refer to can sizes by number instead of weight. See the chart below to find out what size can your recipe calls for.
| Can Number |
Approx.Weight |
Approx.Volume |
| 303 |
15 oz |
2 cups |
| 2 |
20 oz |
2 cups |
| 2 |
28 |
3 cups |
| 10 |
105 oz |
13 cups |
Do you offer any No Salt Added Products?
Yes! We recognize that many of our consumers are on sodium-restricted diets, so we offer a wide range of No Salt Added products:
Del Monte No Salt Added Cut Green Beans
Del Monte No Salt Added French Style Green Beans
Del Monte No Salt Added Mixed Vegetables
Del Monte No Salt Added Whole Kernel Corn
Del Monte No Salt Added Sweet Corn Cream Style
Del Monte No Salt Added Whole Leaf Spinach
Del Monte No Salt Added Sweet Peas
Del Monte No Salt Added Diced Tomatoes
Del Monte No Salt Added Stewed Tomatoes
Del Monte No Salt Added Tomato Sauce
We are also proud to offer several varieties of reduced reduced - sodium vegetable products:
Del Monte 50% Less Salt Whole Kernel Corn
Del Monte 50% Less Salt Cut Green Beans
Del Monte 50% Less Salt Sweet Peas
Do you offer any Organic products?
Yes. Since 2005, Del Monte Foods has introduced several USDA certified Organic products, including a line of Del Monte Vegetables, Tomatoes, Tomato Products, and College Inn Broth.
Where can I find out more about how Del Monte products fit into a healthy, nourishing diet?
Visit the Living a Healthy Lifestyle section of our website for information about nutrition, recipes and tips that the whole family can enjoy!
I have a question about Del Monte Pickles, Del Monte Dried Fruit, Del Monte Fresh Produce, or Del Monte products purchased in Canada. Can you answer my question?
No. Del Monte Foods produces processed fruits, vegetables and tomatoes for distribution in the United States and South America. Del Monte brand dried fruit, fresh fruit and foods sold in Canada, Europe, Mexico, Central America and Asia are produced under license by companies that are otherwise unaffiliated with Del Monte Foods.
You may contact these companies via their websites:
Availability
What if I cannot find my favorite Del Monte Foods product in my store?
Del Monte products are available in most stores nationwide. Because regional preferences vary, the product you are looking for may not be available in your area. If you can't find your favorite Del Monte product, you may want to talk with your store management to let them know of your interest in purchasing it, or check with other stores in your area.
Can I buy products directly from you?
At this time, we're unable to sell Del Monte products directly to consumers.
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Pet Products Specific
Where can I buy your Pet Products? Can I purchase directly from you?
The majority of our products are sold at retail and club stores, as well as at Pet Specialty stores. Additionally, many of our pet products are available on our "e-tail" partner websites, including PetCo.com, PetSmart.com, Petfooddirect.com and PetSuppliesPlus.com.
Does canned/wet pet food need to be refrigerated after it's opened?
After it's opened, canned pet food should be refrigerated, just as with any meat product. If covered and refrigerated, the food should stay fresh for 2-3 days. You may want to allow the food to return to room temperature before serving it to your pet.
One way to speed up the warming process is to add in a small amount of warm water, or microwave the food on a microwaveable plate for about 5 seconds at a time until it is the correct temperature.
My dog has a food intolerance to beef/corn/wheat. Do you make any pet foods or treats that don't have these ingredients?
Yes we do! Our Nature's Recipe line of dog food and treats never uses beef, corn or wheat. Beef, corn and wheat are the most common protein sources that can trigger a food intolerance, due to their widespread use in pet formulas for many years. Nature's Recipe brand also developed recipes free of pork, soy and dairy, other common ingredients that may lead to food intolerance.
Our Healthy Skin formulas include Venison Meal & Rice as well as Vegetarian. You can find Nature's Recipe pet food in Pet Specialty stores. Visit www.naturesrecipe.com for more information.
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Consumer Contact Information
To contact Del Monte Foods Consumer Affairs:
Call us at 1-800-543-3090, Mon Fri 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Eastern Time
Write to us at: Del Monte Foods Consumer Affairs, P.O. Box 80, Pittsburgh PA 15230-0080.
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