sounds like something a Thread Salesman might say---but crazy--- I've used lots of threads that were more than 20 years old-and just fine. age has nothing to do with the quality of thread- there are a lot of variables that effect thread's (life) if your thread passes a strength test (pull off a length- hold the ends between your 2 hands & give it a tug) if it doesn't break easily it is still useable. even thread that isn't so strong any more can be used for basting.