Hygiene expert explains where ketchup should be kept after Heinz ‘settles the debate’

A hygiene expert has waded in to the age old debate about whether ketchup should be kept in the fridge or placed in the cupboard after being opened.

It comes after the sauce-making behemoth that is Heinz settled the debate for good. Well, in their eyes anyway.

Everyone can agree that the bottle of red sauce belongs in the cupboard to begin with when you first bring it home from the shops.

With a sealed lid to keep it airtight, it's kept as it would be in on a supermarket shelf before it is sold to you to enjoy in the comfort of your own home. But once that seal on the bottle is broken is when a decision has to be made. Are we staying in the cupboard and a room temperature approach, or heading to the chilled domain that is the refrigerator?

Heinz reveal best place to store ketchup

Heinz are to the point about this, saying there was 'only ever one correct answer'.

Company representative Olivia Lennon told the MailOnline that 'we're happy to share with Heinz Tomato Ketchup lovers that our ketchup has to be in the fridge'.

"Although we're aware many Heinz Tomato Ketchup fans have been storing their ketchup in the cupboard, we do recommend refrigeration after opening," Lennon added.

"This is the best way to maintain the delicious tangy taste of our Heinz Tomato Ketchup that you know and love."

Heinz is a fan of the fridge (Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images)

Health warning if you keep ketchup in the cupboard

Joshua Houston is a food storage expert at What Cost and has warned about the health dangers associated with storing ketchup, or any sauces, in your cupboard once they have been opened.

"Bottled sauce is hugely important when it comes to some meals, ketchup with chips is a common sight across the country. No sauce can leave some dishes tasting dry," Houston said.

"But ensure that you are storing your sauces properly, the last thing you want is to get ill from consuming something that has gone off. Refrigerating also allows you to get more for your money, as it gives you more time to finish the sauce before binning."

Open ketchup should be kept in the fridge for health reasons (Getty Stock Images)

Houston advises that your sauce will turn, or go 'bad', quicker in the cupboard, with an unsealed bottle at room temperature leading to increased chance of mould growing inside the bottle. And no one wants that, given it can cause you be to very poorly.

On top of that, he recommends consuming the sauce within a month of it being opened. And that's even if it’s stored in a fridge. if it has started to taste sour, there's a chance it is past its best and you may be taking a risk by consuming at this stage.

Best to get a new one in such an instance, we think.