Does mustard have to be refrigerated?

Question

I bought some mustard about six months ago and had it refrigerated for the first couple of months. Then I had to pack it in a storage locker(don't ask why) where it sat at room temperature for another two months.

I've recently re-fridged it and currently would like to use it. Is it still safe to eat?

Please don't tell me to get another thing of mustard, I try to live as inexpensively as possible(due to necessity-- student).

Buying another involves getting transportation to a supermarket, so it's more then just the price of the object.

Besides, I have the bologna, cheese, and bread now... and I'm hungry.

Answer 1

It should be fine unless it was it was in the library with the candlestick.

Answer 2

Mustards need to be refrigerated?
A: Dijon & Horseradish Mustard will lose heat and distinct flavor, so we encourage refrigeration for both. For all other mustards, refrigerating will help maintain its flavor; however, it is not necessary if you prefer your mustard to be room temperature. There are no ingredients in mustard that spoil. "Refrigerate After Opening" is not required for food safety. It is recommended to maintain optimal product flavor. What is the shelf life of FRENCH'S® Mustard?
A: Quality, freshness and flavor are top priorities at FRENCH'S®. You may have noticed that we recently changed to a BEST WHEN USED BY DATE coding system on our packaging. This is not an expiration date. The date stamped on the bottom of the bottle is the date we recommend that you use the product by to assure the product's optimum flavor, freshness and consistent quality. The product will generally maintain good flavor quality for 2 - 3 months after that date if refrigerated. Refrigeration will help maintain its flavor; however, it is not necessary if you prefer your mustard to be room temperature.

If your product does not have a BEST WHEN USED BY DATE, look for the Julian date production code on the bottle. This code consists of a letter followed by a 5 digit number. The letter represents the manufacturing location, the first two numbers represent the year the mustard was produced and the next three numbers is the day of the year. This would be a number from 001 - 365. The recommended shelf life of Mustard is 12 months in a squeeze bottle, 18 months in glass and 6 months in a packet, from the date of manufacture.

Answer 3

No, don't worry i do that all the time, one day it's inside the fridge and the next is out on the kitchen table. But don't worry either way the mustard won't suffer any bad side affects.

Answer 4

It always lasts longer in the refrigerator once opened. You will have to smell the mustard and possibly taste it to know if it is still usable.

Answer 5

i dont see why not, but to be on the safe side u should just buy another one, its less than $2. for future reference, u should put the mustard in the cabinets after purchased when not used.

Answer 6

Don't eat IT....after something has been open it tends to get mold and germ all on it....mustard is cheap throw it out and buy some more please.

Getting sick cost more than some mustard.

Answer 7

No it does not have to be refrigerated, but since you kept it cold at first and then put it in room temp i'd say it isnt safe to consume. any food that changes temps like that becomes more unsafe the more the temp changes.

Answer 8

You are suppose to, but my mother never did. Living inexpensively is fine, but .88 cents is a little pathetic. Off brand even cheaper. Cheaper than food poisoning.

Answer 9

DON'T EAT IT. It would be pretty old and probably no good after all that time even if you had kept it in the refrigerator all the time.

Answer 10

It should be fine, though a better option, if available, would be to buy mustard powder and mix it as and when you need it

Answer 11

Must mustard be refrigerated...
Taste it--if it tastes normal, that's a good sign that it's okay. If it doesn't--no big deal--toss it.