Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Birds Eye Foods?
We are a $1.0 billion national food company headquartered in Rochester, New York. Birds Eye Foods is the nation’s leader in frozen vegetables and a major processor of other food products. Our products are sold under well-known regional and national brand names, as well as private label and food service products. Familiar brands include Birds Eye®, Freshlike, Bernstein's, Nalleys, Brooks, Comstock and Wilderness.

How do I read the production code?
The production code is located on the back of the bagged products, to the right or the left of the UPC bar code. On boxed products the production code is located on the side of the package. On canned products the production code is located on the top or bottom of the can.

Example: 6077B5 (Produced on July 02, 2006)

1st position = YEAR it was produced

2nd and 3rd positions = FACILITY where it was made

4th position = MONTH (1-9 are January-September, and O, N, D represent October, November, December)

5th position = DAY of the month (A-Z corresponds to the 1st-26th and 1-5 indicates the 27th-31st)

6th and 7th positions = PRODUCTION LINE

*Note: If your production code does not follow the example above, please feel free to contact our Consumer Relations Department for assistance (refer to FAQ question - How would I contact the company?).

Are fresh vegetables more nutritious than frozen vegetables?
According to the International Food Information Council, the nutritional value of frozen vegetables is virtually identical to fresh produce. The Mount Sinai School of Medicine Complete Book of Nutrition concurs. The book reveals that fresh produce that sits unused in the refrigerator for too long will actually lose taste and nutrition. Since frozen vegetables provide the same health benefits as fresh, they offer a convenient and nutritious alternative.

Do frozen vegetables contain additives or chemicals?
We do not use any artificial preservatives. Instead, we use a flash-freezing technique to freeze produce. This process locks in flavor, texture and nutrition, and ensures a long shelf life. The flash-freezing process also guarantees fresh vegetables without artificial preservatives.

After a product has been cooked or thawed, can I refreeze the product?
We do not recommend refreezing a product, as this makes the product susceptible to freezer burn.

Is freezer burn harmful?
Freezer burn - the white, dried-out patches found on improperly stored frozen foods, won't make you sick, but it will change the quality, color and texture of the product.

What is the best way to store frozen products?

• Keep foods frozen until you are ready to use.
• Keep foods frozen in their original packaging.
• Organize your freezer, with oldest foods to the front so they will be used first.

Is it okay to eat the vegetables straight from the package?
For optimal flavor and texture, we recommend that you first cook the product as stated on the package before consuming.

How long can canned foods safely be stored?
Most canned foods remain at optimal quality for months and even years. Storage temperature is the primary factor affecting storage life. Other factors include the humidity, the nature of the product and the type of container. Canned foods will remain safe and wholesome as long as the container remains intact. Storage at temperatures of more than 80 degrees F should be avoided if possible, since this could lead to rapid rate of quality loss. For good utilization, it is wise to have a regular turnover, at least once a year.

Aren't canned foods loaded with preservatives?
No. Canned foods are not preserved with the addition of chemicals. They keep because they have been sterilized by heat and are protected from contamination by the container. However, some chemical substances may be added to canned foods to prevent undesirable chemical reactions which might change color and flavor. For example, salt and sugar are commonly added to suit American taste preferences. Additives are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and ingredients are listed on product labels.

Should cans "hiss" when opened?
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. Consumers should be aware of the warning signs of spoilage. If a can leaks, appears to bulge or the food has an off-odor, it should not be consumed.

How would I contact the company?
You may contact us a variety of ways...

To contact us by phone:

By calling 1-800-563-1786.  Representatives are available 8:00 am to 5:00 pm EST, Monday - Friday.

To contact us via email:

Go to the Contact Us page of this website.

To contact us via U.S. Mail, send mail to:

Birds Eye Foods
Attn: Consumer Relations
PO Box 20382
Rochester, NY 14602

*Note: For specific product questions, you may wish to visit our Frequently Asked Questions on the Birds Eye®, Tim's Cascade Style Potato Chips and Husman's websites.