All meal components are packed and frozen by LiveWell with Traditions prior to their expiration dates. Freezing inhibits the growth of bacteria; therefore, frozen items do not deteriorate as quickly as they would under refrigeration or at room temperature. Hence, the expiration dates on the individual frozen items such as cookies, fruit cups, bars and juices are no longer valid. Each LiveWell with Traditions frozen meal is stamped with a date of production and an expiration date. The expiration date is one year after production. Please use the meal expiration date to determine the last date of consumption.