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How do I read the date code stamped or printed on the can?
Please be patient as we are currently converting our system to provide expiration dates for all of our products. The date code is stamped or printed on the lid of the can. It tells when the product was packed and other information our packers consider confidential. We cannot share the code breakdown. Pack date and shelf life information is available from our Customer Service Department. back to top
How long are canned seafood products edible?
Commercially canned food can be safely stored for several years as long as the can is not bulging, leaking or damaged. With prolonged storage, canned foods begin to become less palatable.
After opening, any uneaten product should be removed from the can, sealed in a container and immediately refrigerated. The product should be used within 2-3 days. back to top
Why are my oysters green?
The green color in oysters is actually not an abnormal color. During the harvesting season, the oysters are still growing and ingest a large amount of plankton while they are still lean. This makes the "green feeds" visible through their outer skin.
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I think I found glass in my canned seafood! What is it?
These are struvite crystals and are formed by the natural, normal constituents of seafood after it is sterilized in the can. The crystals are no harder than ordinary table salt and can be easily scratched and crushed to a powder with the thumbnail. They will dissolve in a few minutes in warm vinegar, as they do in stomach acid. back to top
Is there mercury in canned tuna?
Mercury is a naturally occurring element in the earth's crust, and therefore is also present in trace amounts in all living organisms. back to top
How much mercury is in canned tuna?
In lab tests run between 2002 and 2004 by the FDA, the average level of mercury in canned light tuna is 0.12 ppm, and in albacore 0.35 ppm. The FDA has set as their action level 1 ppm of mercury. This level provides a wide margin of safety, as it is ten times the level at which the most sensitive people will experience health problems. For more information, visit our Mercury page. back to top
What is your Dolphin Safe Policy?
We sell three types of tuna: albacore, tongol and yellowfin. Our suppliers strictly adhere to dolphin protection methods. Our tuna is certified dolphin safe by Earth Island Institute.
Albacore is caught by long-line method, which poses no danger to dolphins. Tongol tuna is caught by purse seine net, however dolphins do not swim with these schools.
Dolphins sometimes swim with schools of yellowfin tuna. All tuna catches, and particularly yellowfin catches are strictly monitored by independent observers. Each net set is certified as causing no harm to dolphins. No drift nets are used. The fishermen are not allowed to set their nets on schools of dolphin. In the event that any dolphins are present in the set, the fishermen are required to lower their nets to release the dolphins. back to top
What is omega-3?
Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated essential fatty acids that are found predominantly in deep-sea salt water fish. These fatty acids are found in higher amounts in cold water fish. There is evidence of a number of health benefits from eating fish rich in these fatty acids. back to top
Do your products contain MSG?
Monosodium glutamate is used in Crown Prince and Ocean Prince crab meat, chopped and minced clams, and clam sauce. There is no MSG present in any Crown Prince Natural product. As always, anyone with food allergies or sensitivities should carefully read all labels. back to top
What is gluten?
Gluten is a protein commonly found in many types of grains (specifically wheat, barley, oats and rye). back to top
Are your products gluten free?
Yes, all of our canned seafood products are currently gluten free. As always, anyone with food allergies or sensitivities should carefully read all labels, especially products in sauces. On occasion, sauce formulations may change. back to top
What are Trans Fats or Trans Fatty Acids?
Trans fats, or trans fatty acids are a type of fat formed when hydrogen is added to liquid oils under high heat to turn them into solid fats like shortening and stick margarine. These trans fats can increase the risk of heart disease by increasing the amount of LDL, or "bad" cholesterol, and lowering the amount of HDL, or "good" cholesterol in the bloodstream. back to top
Are there any Trans Fats in your products?
No, our products do not contain trans fats. back to top
Why is my Solid White Tuna not always white?
While albacore is classified as "white" tuna, there are common variations in color from can to can. The color of albacore can vary from nearly white to light pink, beige, tan or occasionally a slight gray tinge. All of these variations meet established color requirements. back to top
Why did I find a bone in my tuna?
Although every effort is made to remove them, bones are occasionally present in canned tuna. The loins are trimmed entirely by hand and are inspected several times for the presence of any bones which may have been missed. On occasion, a bone is embedded in the loin and may be overlooked. After the fish is canned, the high heat sterilization process softens the bones to the point that they are harmless and crumble easily. back to top
Why did I find shell fragments in my oysters?
Because there is no machine that can shuck these little oysters properly, the work is all done by hand. Then, before packing, the product is spread on large trays and inspected. We strive for 100% removal of shell fragments, but just as there is an occasional piece of gravel in a bag of beans or a cherry pit in a can of pie filling, it is possible that occasionally a shell will be found in any variety of canned shellfish. However, what you describe is definitely not Crown Prince quality and we apologize for the inconvenience. back to top
Why are there scales on my sardines?
Pilchard sardines have larger scales that do not soften as much as the scales on smaller sardines. These scales protect the fish from outside elements and are proof of the best quality and freshness. If scales are removed from sardines, the skin will soften and the fish will fall apart. The scales are edible and are a good source of calcium. back to top
Are your sardines farm raised?
No, all of our fish are wild caught. back to top
Are your sardines real sardines or small fish?
The FDA allows three types of fish to be called sardines: Brisling (sprats), ocean herring (kipper snacks) and pilchard. These three types of fish are cold water fish and contain omega-3 fatty acids, iron and calcium. back to top
Why are there bones and skin in my can of salmon?
This is the traditional packing process for canned salmon that has been used for many years. The amount of bones and skin in canned salmon varies depending on the size of the fish. The high heat sterilization process softens them enough that they can be easily mashed and blended with the salmon. The skin and bones supply important nutrients. back to top
Is your salmon wild caught or farm raised?
All of our salmon is wild caught. We do not use farm raised salmon. For more information, visit our Wild Caught vs. Farm Raised page. back to top
Are any of your products Kosher?
Yes, most of our products are Kosher. For a complete listing, visit our Kosher page. back to top
Are any of your products fat-free?
Yes, we offer several fat-free products. For a complete listing, visit our Fat Free page. back to top
Do you offer any low sodium products?
Yes, we offer several low sodium products. For a complete listing, visit our Low Sodium page. back to top
Why do the pull-tabs always break from the lid?
If the tab is pulled before the score line is pierced, it will break off. Be sure to gently lift the ring and pop the seal by pushing the tab all the way forward until it touches the rim of the can. For more detailed instructions, visit our Ring Pull page.
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Are any of your products imported from China?
Crown Prince imports the following products from China: Smoked Oysters, Boiled Oysters and Smoked Baby Clams. For a complete listing and more information, visit our China Information page. Be assured that we make every effort to maintain the highest quality and safety of all Crown Prince products from China and around the globe. back to top
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