As the question says, why do we need to refrigerate something after it’s opened? I have a bottle of Chipotle Sauce I got from Target, and it was happily sitting in the shelves for who knows how long unrefrigerated. It says on the label to refrigerate after opening. Why? And I don’t think it’s because Target is air conditioned. Some bodegas in nyc for example are un air-conditioned and will sell similar stuff.
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Usually foods that are packaged in cans or bottles are sterilized by heating during packaging. The exceptions are things that change in high heat like milk or meat. This sterilization process gives the food long shelf life because bacteria that were in the food were cooked to death and can’t eat the food or harm you.
One you open it, the food is once again exposed to bacteria and mold spores from the air. They will begin to grow in the food, and refrigeration slows their growth down tremendously. Therefore manufacturers recommend refrigeration so that you can keep the food fresher for longer.
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