Regarding the article in Monday's Gazette about sardines being eight years out of date, the public has been brainwashed over these sell-by dates.

I have got tins of food undented and free of rust for many years and still use and eat the contents.

These tins are in perfect condition. Only dented tins and rusty tins are thrown away.

While serving in Malaya (1959-1962) we were given tins of stewed steak, various soups and tinned fruit.

The date printed on the tins was 1942 - 18 years old and in perfect condition.

Richard Faulkner

Little Clacton