I am no expert in Dominican culture but I have to agree wtih you - my boyfriend's mom (they're from Santo Domingo) disregards ALL rules on refrigeration, expiration dates, etc. If it's in the refrigerator it must be ok. If it's in the freezer, even better! And forget about sauces, mayonaisse, etc. being kept in the fridge - it ALL goes into the pantry - most of the time I can't even eat it!!!!!! Nevertheless, her food is ALWAYS amazing and I am usually the first to go back for seconds!