Food Safety Issues/Unrefrigerated Marinade

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Question
I have some marinade that was not refrigerated for about 3 months after opening.  Is it still ok to use  or should I discard the remainder since it does say "refrigerate after opening" on the packaging?  

Answer
Hi Ms. Lee,

They should be tossed.

Marinades, while an acidic product, should always be refrigerated after opening. Once opened, they should be used within 1 month.

Also, please be sure to always marinade in the refrigerator -- not at room temperature.

Carol C. Schlitt
Extension Educator, Nutrition and Wellness
University of Illinois Extension

Food Safety Issues

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Carol Schlitt

Expertise

I can answer questions on home food safety, sanitation, home food preservation and commercial food safety (HACCP).

Experience

I am a former Extension educator, nutrition, wellness and food safety, having retired August 1, 2010. I am a certified HACCP manager, a food safety instructor for the Illinois Department of Public Health and a 3rd party food safety and OSHA auditor of restaurants.

Organizations
International Association for Food Protection, American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (Certified CFCS), National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences, St. Louis Culinary Society.

Education/Credentials
BS - University of Illinois MS - Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville

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