- Condiments, such as ketchup, mustard, and salad dressings, are often opened and forgotten on the door or shelf of your refrigerator. Although they may last a long time, they can become expired or spoiled before they are completely used. Tips to ensure safe condiments include the following:
- Label foods with the date the container is first opened.
- Use open condiments before opening a new one.
- Check product quality and labeled date before consuming condiments (see below).
- Throw away if spoiled or expired.
WHAT DO THE PRODUCT DATES MEAN?
Best by, use by, best if used by, best before – all indicate the date a product should be used for best quality, neither is a food safety/spoilage issue.
Shelf life of common condiments after opening
- Olives: 2 weeks
- Barbeque Sauce: 4 months
- Pesto: 3 days
- Gravy: 1–2 days
- Pickles: 1–3 months
- Horseradish: 3–4 months
- Relish: 9 months
- Hot Sauce: 6 months
- Salad Dressing: 1–3 months
- Jams and Jellies: 6–12 months
- Taco Sauce: 1 month
- Ketchup: 6 months
- Soy Sauce: 1 month
- Mayonnaise: 1–2 months
- Worcestershire Sauce: 1 year
- Mustard: 1 year
For more information, download Foodsafety.gov’s FoodKeeper App (www.foodsafety.gov/keep/foodkeeperapp)