At some point, we have all consumed ketchup that’s gone past its expiration date without realizing it. Once you do see that your ketchup has expired, though, it’s important to take proper precautions, as food poisoning from eating expired ketchup, while rare, is still a possibility.

Per an FDA employee, the administration receives about 50-100 reports of severe food poisoning due to expired ketchup annually, but he's only seen two deaths linked to expired ketchup. He adds that in those two cases, other factors could have been at play — like contamination from the tomatoes.

However, ketchup is usually still good long after its sell-by or best-by date — it can last unopened up to one to two years after the date, and up to a year in the fridge once opened. If your ketchup appears thicker, is maroon or brown in color, and has a watery top layer, it’s time to toss it.