Disgusting reason ketchup should be kept in the fridge

It's one of the greatest debates of our time...does ketchup belong in the cupboard or the fridge?

But ICYMI, there is actually only one answer to this one (sorry!).

Yup, ketchup belongs in the fridge, folks, and there's no umming and ahhing about it.

This isn't new info... Heinz has actually confirmed it all before.

As well as releasing a statement (or five) on social, a rep from the company has proudly said: "There was only ever one correct answer… our ketchup has to be in the fridge."

Lots of people favour ketchup in the cupboard (Credit: Getty)

'But why?' I hear you cupboard purists ask.

Well, there are several reasons. For one, the texture and flavour lasts a lot longer when kept cool in the fridge.

But there's something else you might not know...

According to meat supplier Saffron Alley's food safety expert Jabraan Ahmed, not keeping your ketchup cool might be a health hazard, too.

The fridge is the safest place to avoid flies (Credit: Getty)

"Storing ketchup in the fridge ensures it lasts longer avoiding the breakdown of ingredients at room temperature," he says.

"If the ketchup bottle is stored outside the fridge during summer, fruit flies might lay eggs or leave bacteria on the lid."

Sorry, what now?

Fruit flies usually lay eggs on food that's rotting, and hover around bins and drains.

As per Metro, during mating season, you could end up with as many as 500 eggs from one fruit fly during its one week lifespan, which is... big yikes.

Make sure there are no flies lurking on your ketchup lid (Credit: Getty)

Fruit flies are not only pretty gross, but they could also impart bacteria onto food, which has the capacity to make you unwell.

If you're thinking, 'it's fine, I keep my cupboard door shut', remember that fruit flies are tiny, and can weasel their way in through cracks and miniature openings, too.

What's more, ketchup is a dream to them. Sweet tomato? Check. Vinegar base? Check.

Due to the fact it has a tight seal, the fridge is a much better option if you wanna keep those pesky flies at bay.

And Heinz recommend it, so really there's no argument (pssst, send this to your mate who prefers ketchup in the cupboard).

Featured image: Getty