Your Questions Answered
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. Pack date and shelf life information is available from our Customer Service Department. Please provide the date code that is stamped or printed on the lid of the can. 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
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
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 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
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, Smoked Baby Clams, Kipper Snacks, Mackerel and Sardines. 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
What are GMOs?
GMO stands for Genetically Modified Organism, an animal or plant that has been altered using genetic engineering. Read our GMO Statement for more detailed information. back to top
Do your products contain GMOs?
Crown Prince products DO NOT contain GMOs. Canned fish is not a manufactured product, but is wild harvested from the oceans of our planet. We pack our products in simple packing mediums with simple seasonings, none of which contain GMOs. Our customers can be assured that Crown Prince only offers the best that our oceans can provide - unadulterated by genetic modification. Crown Prince, Inc. in cooperation with The Non-GMO Project, has submitted our products for Non-GMO Project verification. The verification process on many items has been completed. back to top
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