Why does ketchup not need refrigeration?
Not all ketchup needs to be refrigerated. Certain brands do. Mainly cheaper brands. It wasn’t until within the last year that Heinz ketchup even said on the label anything about refrigeration. Think about it.. what restaurant do you know puts all their bottles of ketchup in the fridge? I’ve worked at several and none did.. it wasn’t against the health code either. I’ve eaten warm ketchup (Heinz) for over 25 years.. I’ve never been sick from it. Guess those germs are just being picky… (not) Refrigerating ketchup will keep the flavor at its peak, or so they say. Unrefrigerated ketchup is totally safe to eat but, air will dilute the flavor after several weeks. To answer the question, my guess is the vinegar in it makes it safe to not refrigerate.
