Expiration Dates You Should Never Ignore

- Tiffany Gagnon

Jarred Condiments

Spreads and sauces may seem to last forever, but jarred condiments tend to have significant exposure to bacteria, putting you at risk of food poisoning. Bacteria can start multiplying as soon as you open a jar, especially if there’s cross contamination. “As we make sandwiches, for example, we dip the knife into the spread container, wipe it onto the sandwich, and then dip it back into the container,” says Jessica Crandall, a Denver-based registered dietitian, certified diabetes educator, and national spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. “By doing this, you’re putting some bacteria back into the container.” Also, if there’s water floating on top or discoloration, get rid of the whole jar.

Egg Substitutes