[wipeout97]

Since Marlboro has changed the lot stamp on cigarettes here is a quick how to for finding a stale pack before you leave the store.

An example Phillip Morris bar code is:

V159Z94A5

V (or first letter) = the state of manufacture with this one being Virginia

159 (or the next 3 numbers) = the day of the year the cigarettes were made. Consider just deviding this number by 30 for the nearest month this date could fall in.

Z = this is the month of production (the letters they have are still unknown so just use the number method).

9 = equals the year of production


I hate stale cigarettes and stores which sell them so I hope this helps someone. Remember to check while in the store as most retailers will not swap cigarettes or give refunds once you leave the store.