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Food Safety Issues/shelf life of homemade sald dressing

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Expert: Carol Schlitt - 10/13/2006


Question
I have made a salad dressing with oil, vinegar, shallots and garlic.  How long will it last in my refrigerator?

Answer
Hi Sallie,

Home made vinegar and oil salad dressings have a refrigerator shelf life of up to 3 months. After that time the oils begin to take on unpleasant flavors and color changes can occur.

For a good, research-based chart on the shelf life of food, please see this website:  http://www.oznet.ksu.edu/dp_fnut/HRAP/STORAGE/cupstor.htm

FYI -- flavored oils with whole herbs, garlic, etc should only be refrigerated up to 3-4 days as there have been cases of botulism associated with homemade flavored oils.

Please let me know if I can be of further assistance,

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

Food Safety Issues

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Volunteer

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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