This is not a bar code or UPC number, neither contains alphanumerics. I appears to be 2 separate codes. I think the first 4 digits (3463) are a code called a Julian date. There are 2 different way companies use them. They will either show the date the product was made OR the date the product should be enjoyed by.
Either way, in this case, I wouldn't drink it. The first three digits (346) is the day of the year of production, in this case approximately late November. The last digit (3) is the last digit in the year, in this case, it would be 2003.
The second grouping (c50161) could be an internal number referring back to the run of the batch, during which shift it was canned for quality control purposes, etc.
So, this can of beer was either canned in late November of 2003 OR it was to be enjoyed by late November of 2003. most canned beverages are shelf stable for about a year, give or take. I doubt it would taste good...Not that Bud ever does.
Either way, in this case, I wouldn't drink it. The first three digits (346) is the day of the year of production, in this case approximately late November. The last digit (3) is the last digit in the year, in this case, it would be 2003.
The second grouping (c50161) could be an internal number referring back to the run of the batch, during which shift it was canned for quality control purposes, etc.
So, this can of beer was either canned in late November of 2003 OR it was to be enjoyed by late November of 2003. most canned beverages are shelf stable for about a year, give or take. I doubt it would taste good...Not that Bud ever does.
