Will unrefrigerated rice vinegar make you sick?

Rice vinegar, like many vinegars, has a high acidity level (around 4.2 pH) that makes it inhospitable to most bacteria and other spoilage-causing microorganisms. This characteristic, combined with its relatively high salt content, helps preserve rice vinegar and prevent it from spoiling even when left unrefrigerated.

While refrigeration can help maintain the freshness and flavor of rice vinegar for longer periods, it is generally safe to store it at room temperature without the risk of spoilage or sickness. However, it's important to keep in mind that open bottles of rice vinegar should be tightly capped to prevent evaporation and potential contamination from airborne particles or insects.