Can expired soy sauce still be consumed?

Generally speaking, expired soy sauce should not be consumed. Even if its appearance and smell seem normal, it is not recommended to continue using it, in order to avoid potential health risks. Detailed explanations are as follows:

Soy sauce is primarily made from fermented soybeans, wheat, salt, and contains nutrients such as protein and amino acids. After expiration, these components are easily contaminated by bacteria and mold, potentially producing harmful substances. Even if the soy sauce has not been opened, long-term storage might lead to microbial growth due to decreased packaging seal integrity and environmental temperature fluctuations. If the soy sauce has already been opened, the risk of contamination further increases upon exposure to air and utensils. Consuming expired soy sauce may cause gastrointestinal discomfort such as bloating and diarrhea. In daily life, checking the expiration date before purchasing soy sauce is important, with preference given to recently manufactured products.

After opening, soy sauce should be sealed properly and refrigerated to reduce the risk of contamination and spoilage, and should be consumed as soon as possible within its shelf life. Before storage and use, the condition of the soy sauce should be inspected. If any abnormalities are detected, it should be discarded immediately; it is not advisable to take chances.