misc Refrigerate after opening?

[Wicked Pepper]

Any thoughts on whether or not to put "refrigerate after opening" on a product. Is it needed? Is there a benefit(liability)? 

 

[PrimeTime]

Benefit being its a pretty good way to preserve a product. Needs it or not it adds time to its life (quality wise anyway)
 
my .02

 

[AZ-Mason]

I would say it can only help.

 

[salsalady]

it's up to your inspector and PA.

 

[AlabamaJack]

that question is wide open to interpretation without knowing what the product is made of, how it is preserved, and what the pH is...

 

[Phil]

Meh... I don't refrigerate my hot sauces..... but if I wanted to protect myself, I would definitely put it on the label.

 

[salsalady]

If you are marketing a sauce legally, your AHJ's will dictate whether you need "refrigerate after opening" based on the sauce/ingredients/process/pH.  Just as they will dictate what you need on the label for Contact information, ingredients breakdowns and whether NIPs are required.   
 
Regulations vary depending on where you sell, who's processing etc.
 
 
BTW, if you plan on selling via a website, everything has to be up to FDA standards.  Who enforces those standards changes by state.  Get a good relationship with your state inspector.   It'll be a long-term relationship~~~ 

 

[Sam & Oliver]

a shelf stable sauce is good for what, 2 years unopened?  it can't hurt to put it on.  I put it on out of courtesy and having the inspectors saying "ehhhh.... either way" - I decided to just put it on anyway.