dates on tins

[littlewater]

I'm cleaning out the kitchen cupboards, and I've found several tins dated 2009.

do I throw them away or keep them??

lw

Tins are designed to preserve their contents for years and years.
They have to have a best before date by law, but it usually doesn't mean anything.
I'd keep them.

I'd throw them out, the food in tins usually has a Date two years ahead, so it could be 3 years old in there.

Personally, I'd throw them out, but I'm really really fussy about food

Depends what it is. Best before is simply that BEST before. It does not mean you will get food poisoning or it will be contaminated or anything like that. it is more likely the product is mushy / discoloured etc etc