I just had a bowl of soup for dinner and as I was finishing up, I noticed that the can had an expiration date of Jan 2002.
Um…
It tasted and smelled fine, there were no bulgy sides to the can, leaks, etc. It didn’t squirt out when I opened it. I assume I won’t get botchulism.
However…how good beyond the expiration date is a can, assuming it looks ok?
Fenris
From http://www.safefood.org/faq.html
How do you feel?
Worried, but otherwise fine! 
Like I said, no leaking or bulging of the can: I saw a Public Service Film about the terrors of Botchulism* when I was like in the second or third grade and have been somewhat phobic about it ever since: if there’s any doubt I usually just toss the can.
That’s what I get for not paying attention!
Fenris
*I fear it but I cannot spell it.
It happened to me, too. For the record, he ate it and didn’t die.
I spent some time sorting cans at the Capital Area Food Bank a few weeks ago. Their rule was, if it has an expiration date of up to a year ago, it’s good (barring bulgy sides and things that transcend expiration date). And that was probably pretty cautios. You’ll be fine.
Botulism. You’re welcome.