How long will unopened mayonnaise keep unrefrigerated?

Answer 1

According to "The Association for Dresses and Sauces," commercially available mayonnaise can be left out of the refrigerator for a long time and still be safe. Apparently, the eggs used in commercial mayo are pasteurized, killing bacteria like Salmonella. Also, they say, commercial mayo is sufficiently acidic to be unfavorable to bacteria that may be introduced after opening the jar. I always assumed that Salmonella was the prime problem, but if you think about it, mayo sits on store shelves unrefrigerated for a long time, and there's no reason Salmonella couldn't grow then. TADS also says the reason refrigeration is recommended by the mayo jar is to preserve fresh taste.

Answer 2

If the seal on the jar or container has not been opened or broken yet, then no it does not have to be in the fridge. It is sold in the stores on shelves and should only be put in the fridge if the seal has been broken or it has been opened.

Answer 3

Unopened it will last on the self for a year or more. But once it is opened, it will last a couple of months in the fridge. If you've opened the container or used mayo on a sandwich or in a salad, it shouldn't be left unrefrigerated for more than a couple of hours.

Answer 4

Mayonnaise Spoilage Myths - Mayonnaise Safety http://homecooking.about.com/od/howtocookwithcondiments/a/mayospoilage.htm

Answer 5

If the mayonnaise remains unopened then you do not need to store it in the refrigerator if it is open however put it in the fridge

Answer 6

No, it contains raw eggs. It should be refrigerated.

Answer 7

Only after the lid has been opened.