These mixtures must be refrigerated to slow bacterial growth. After 3 weeks of refrigeration, the increased number of bacteria will become a food safety hazard. Therefore, these mixtures should not be refrigerated longer than 3 weeks. The flavored oil can be stored safely at room temperature. When vegetables or herbs are dried, water will not be available for bacterial growth.
Tomatoes are high in acid.
Therefore, plain dried tomatoes in oil can be safely stored at room temperature. Do not store them longer than 3 weeks in the refrigerator. The agency also urged consumers to discard these and similar homemade products. Most garlic products do contain these additives, as disclosed on their labels. But some food boutique or specialty mixes do not include the additives and need to be refrigerated from production through use.