I don't know if the peanutbutter over here is made diffrent but have never put it in the fridge, neither has my mother. I buy big jars and so it tends to last a month or so, but I eat the suff at my parents help which is bearly touched between my visits so it must be up to a 6 -12 months old. I have never had any problems with from eating it. Thats all I can say.