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Have you ever done a deep clean of your fridge and noticed that the shelf doors have essentially turned into time capsules stashing condiments way past their expiration dates?

Obviously, it’s time to toss the mystery mayo that’s leftover from a long-ago barbecue and the forgotten-about jar of salsa that’s turned into a science experiment. But there are all kinds of other scenarios that are more befuddling: Do you need to get rid of the sour cream that has a pool of liquid on top of it, but hasn’t reached

its expiration date? (You’ve probably got a couple days, btw, but the end is nearing for your taco topping). And what about ketchup and mustard from last summer’s cookouts?

If you find yourself in a condiment conundrum, and you’re deciding what to toss and what to keep, there are a few general rules to be mindful of, says nutritionist Mary Sabat, MS, RDN, LD.

First things first: Is the bottle opened? Unopened condiments are generally going to have a longer shelf life compared to open ones since they haven’t been exposed to potential contaminants that can speed up bacteria growth, Sabat says.

“Once a bottle is opened, the shelf life can be significantly reduced due to increased exposure to bacteria,” Sabat says.

Proper storage is also a biggie. Many condiments need to be stored in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and heat, while refrigeration is necessary for things like mayo and creamy salad dressings that will otherwise spoil.

Expiration dates printed on the condiment bottles are really meant to tell you when the product is at its peak quality, Sabat says. Expired sauces, spreads, and dressings will likely lose their flavor over time, and, worst-case scenario, could make you sick.

With that info out of the way, here are 13 condiments you should never eat after their expiration dates (and in some cases, may even need to toss earlier).

Mayo Needs to Be Tossed Two Months After Opening

A safe rule of thumb is anything that contains mayonnaise should be tossed at the time of its expiration, especially if the jar has been opened, says dietitian Bess Berger, RDN, with the New Jersey-based company Nutrition by Bess.

Store-bought mayo usually contains acids which help prevent spoilage and kill off bacteria. But you may need to toss a half-full bottle of mayo before its expiration date if it’s been sitting out in the sun all day during a backyard barbecue, Berger says. Also, after it’s opened, it should go in the fridge for up to two months, according to the USDA.

Keep Close Tabs on Mayo-Based Dips, Too

From garlic aioli to remoulade and tartar sauces, there are all kinds of dipping sauces and spreads that contain mayo, and Berger says it’s best practice to toss them when they’re expired.

“Another general rule of thumb is if a dip or condiment tastes different from when you first open it, throw it out,” she says. “Same holds true if it’s discolored or extra watery.”

Horseradish Loses Its Zing

“As soon as the jar of horseradish is exposed to air, that sharp, spicy flavor begins to fade,” says Jared Kent, a sous chef at Good Roots in Akron, Ohio. By the time it reaches the expiration date, it’s better to opt for a fresh jar and get the whole experience, he says.

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