Mayo still safe to eat?

[Anonymous]

A discussion on another thread about whether beer became "skunked" after chilling it again after it had already gotten hot in the can reminded me of this question...

Out of habit, when we buy mayonnaise, we put it right into the refrigerator even though we know it is still shelf-stable until we open it. After a power outage of a few days, during which many things in the frig were spoiled for lack of cold, we were uncertain if the mayo was still good. It had not been opened, but had gone to room temperature after being in the frig for a while. Would the mayo have been OK? We threw it out, just to be safe, but I can't find the answer anywhere. Thanks.

[Anonymous]

I think it would have been okay because you didn't open it.

[Anonymous]

I agree, refrigeration is not required until after opening. But I may have been grossed out and tossed it anyway. It's just a couple bucks.

[Anonymous]

Kinda gross but my great aunt never refrigerated her mayo. She lived to be 96 and as far as I know nobody ever got sick at her house.

[Anonymous]

mayo only needs refrigeration to keep it looking good. It is not harmful to leave it out, especially if not previously opened. I know it goes against everything we have been taught, but the only time it can spoil is when it is mixed with other foods. Like in a potato salad. If there are no hunks of tuna fish in the jar than you are ok. You just wasted a good jar of mayo.