How do you know when sweet and sour sauce goes bad?

Sweet and sour sauce, like many sauces, can go bad over time, even if it's stored properly. Here's how to tell if it's gone bad:

Visual Clues:

* Color Change: The sauce might become darker or more cloudy.

* Mold Growth: This is a clear sign the sauce has gone bad.

* Separation: The sauce may separate into layers of oil and liquid.

Smell Test:

* Sour or Rancid Odor: A strong, unpleasant sour or rancid smell is a sure sign of spoilage.

Taste Test (Use Caution!):

* Off Flavor: If the sauce tastes noticeably sour, bitter, or otherwise unpleasant, it's likely gone bad.

Other Factors:

* Expiration Date: Check the expiration date on the bottle, if available.

* Storage: Improper storage (warm temperatures, exposure to sunlight) can accelerate spoilage.

Important Note: If you're unsure about the safety of your sweet and sour sauce, it's always best to err on the side of caution and discard it. Eating spoiled food can cause food poisoning.