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When to Toss the Food in the Fridge

Updated on November 12, 2011

Don't eat this

When to toss the food in the fridge

Chances are if the vegetables or fruit are turning to mush, you'll toss them. Or if the soft cheese is turning green that too you will toss (the hard cheese, you can cut off the mold). But what about the mayo that has been in the fridge for a year? And the pickles that you nosh on maybe once a week but have been there for a month?

Some people store items like ketchup and jam in the pantry which can shorten their shelf life. It is suggested that certain staples be refrigerated to insure freshness.

Here is a list from a current food magazine recommending when you should toss those pre-packaged staples:

1 - Mayonnaise - Because it contains eggs, mayo should always be stored in the fridge. It will keep for up to two months.

2 - Pickles - If these are homemade or bought loose (fresh) in the market they have a lifespan of no more than one week. However, if they are the store-bought jarred pickles they can last up to two months.

3 - Ketchup/Catsup/BBQ Sauce - The ketchup can last up to six months while the BBQ sauce is only good up to four months.

4 - Salsa - If you make it yourself it is good for up to three days. The store-bought jarred versions are good up to a month.

5 - Mustard - The various kinds of mustard (coarse ground, smooth, yellow, etc.) have the best long life if kept in the fridge. They are good for up to one year.

6 - Jams and Jelly - While the expiration date may vary slightly for the many different kinds - it is suggested that they be kept in the fridge and used within six months.

7 - Pure Maple Syrup - This product keeps best in the refrigerator rather than at room temperature. It can be stored there for up to one year.

8 - Olives - Jarred and canned olives last for two weeks provided they are covered in their brine in an airtight container. Olives purchased from the deli can keep for at least a month or a bit longer.

True Story: A friend wanted to make a sandwich using cold cuts. He didn't know how old the cold cuts were. He sniffed them and asked my opinion. I asked him if his life was worth more than 50cents worth of suspect baloney. So he tossed the meats.

If it smells or if you have any doubts about the freshness and don't remember when you put it in the fridge, don't use it - it is not worth a (painful) trip to a (costly) doctor or hospital.

For safe food ideas and more, see the links below:

What will you do?

Will you toss old food or eat it?

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