A question about Mayonnaise

@cyntrow (8523)
United States
March 1, 2008 9:36am CST
OK, not really about mayonnaise, but about mayonnaise, certain salad dressings, ketchup....Here's the thing. I can walk into my local grocery store and see lines and lines of these condiments lining the shelves of the dry goods section. None are refridgerated. But when I get the condiment home, the label clearly states "refridgerate after opening." So here's my question. Why does breaking that seal make a difference? If I do not have refridgerate before opening, what makes it so important to be chilly after opening? Just a curiosity thing. Anyone know?
1 person likes this
3 responses
mummymo
@mummymo (23706)
•
4 Mar 08
lol it does seem strange doesn't it! I think it is cause once you open it the vacuum seal that protects it from germs and 'going off'is broken so it needs to be kept chilled or at least that is my take on the situation! xxx
1 person likes this
cyntrow
@cyntrow (8523)
• United States
5 Mar 08
Well, I refridgerate everything whether the seal is broken or not, but the paranoia in me qestions whether it is fact and the mayo that has been sitting on the shelf for six months is safe to feed to my family.
anniepa
@anniepa (27955)
• United States
5 Mar 08
Gee, this is a good question; I think with mayo it has to do with the eggs in it so it can spoil if not refrigerated after being opened. I guess when it's sealed, just like with canned goods it's safe but once it's been opened it's not. I have no clue why...lol With ketchup I'm not sure it matters as much and in fact I don't always refrigerate my ketchup. It's the same with some salad dressings, but not all. I assume blue cheese or ranch dressing could spoil if left out but I think the Italian dressing would be OK to leave out. I'm afraid I'm not much help here, am I? Annie
cyntrow
@cyntrow (8523)
• United States
6 Mar 08
LOL, you know, I don't know anything about chemical reactions and bacterium, except that I have to get my kids an antibiotic everytime the doctor says bacteria infection. You didn't help, but you didn't confuse things more so that is a plus. Thanks annie, Cyndi
anniepa
@anniepa (27955)
• United States
7 Mar 08
If I didn't confuse someone it's not a plus, Cyn, it's a miracle! (Hey, as in Miracle Whip...lol) Annie
Cajunhellcat
@Cajunhellcat (2073)
• United States
12 Mar 08
now thats a good question never even though about it