Condiments
Heinz Ketchup Batch Code Decoder
Heinz Ketchup bottles carry a Julian production code on the cap or bottle neck, typically good for 18 months of best quality from production.
Decode your Heinz Ketchup code
Format: YJJJ + plant + line. Example:
Enter a code above to decode the production date.
Format
YJJJ + plant + line
Example
6099PGH1
Year digit 6 + DOY 099 + plant PGH (Pittsburgh) + line 1.
Typical freshness
1.5 years
from production date
About Heinz Ketchup batch codes
Heinz stamps every glass and squeeze bottle of its tomato ketchup, mustard, barbecue sauce, and related condiments with a production date that begins with a four-character YJJJ Julian. The code is printed on the cap (glass bottles) or on the shoulder of the plastic squeeze bottle and is followed by a two- or three-letter plant identifier and a single-digit line number. A bottle marked 6099PGH1 was filled on April 9, 2026 at the Pittsburgh plant on line 1. Heinz's own quality guidance is that unopened ketchup retains best quality for approximately 18 months (about 545 days) from the production date, after which the product is still food-safe but the tomato color begins to brown and the flavor balance shifts. Once opened and refrigerated the practical window shrinks to about six months. Kraft Heinz operates plants in Pittsburgh, Fremont (Ohio), Muscatine (Iowa) and several international sites; each has its own code letter so the full stamp identifies both the when and the where of production.
Need the general technique for any package? See how to read a Julian date code. For the regulatory background on lot traceability, read the manufacturing guide, or convert any date on the converter.
This decoder is based on Heinz Ketchup's publicly documented code format. Manufacturers can change codes without notice — treat the result as an estimate and check any printed best-by date.