Have you ever wondered if it was safe to eat the leftovers that sat in your fridge for two weeks? What is the safest way to store leftovers? Is there a general rule about handling leftovers? Don't worry, you aren't the only one! Hopefully, this article will shed some light on the proper steps to safely store and eat your leftovers.
According to Mayo Clinic, "After 3 to 4 days, germs, also called bacteria, may begin to grow in refrigerated leftovers" (Zeratsky 1). Therefore, one may safely assume that leftovers can be left in the refrigerator for a maximum of four days before the risk of food poisoning increases. But we must recognize that this timeline may also vary by the types of food that are being left in the refrigerator since each type of food may have a different timeline. However, it is important to note that bacteria do not change the appearance of the food, so when in doubt, trust your gut and throw it out. Moreover, it is advised that you mark on the food storage container when the food was made to ensure that you will not be at risk of food poisoning.
So, how exactly should you store your leftovers? It is advised that you store them in the refrigerator while they are still hot! Contrary to popular belief, there is no need to cool down the food. Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container, or wrapped tightly. Additionally, when reheating leftovers, check that the temperature is consistent all the way through the food (around 165 degrees Fahrenheit) to avoid an increased risk of getting food poisoning.
Taking extra time and effort to make sure that you are handling leftovers correctly is essential to taking care of your health and your family's health. Next time when the holidays roll around and you find yourself wondering what to do with the leftover turkey, mac and cheese, and mashed potatoes, make an extra effort to ensure that you reduce your chance of getting food poisoning.
References:
Altomara, Deanna. “Leftover Food Dangers and How to Avoid Them.” WebMD, 25 July 2022, www.webmd.com/food-recipes/food-poisoning/features/leftover-food-safety.
“Leftovers and Food Safety | Food Safety and Inspection Service.” Www.fsis.usda.gov, 31 July 2020, www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-basics/leftovers-and-food-safety.
“Slideshow: Myths & Facts about Leftovers.” WebMD, www.webmd.com/food-recipes/food-poisoning/ss/slideshow-leftover-facts.
Zeratsky, Katherine. “How Long Can You Keep Leftovers?” Mayo Clinic, 2018, www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-answers/food-safety/faq-20058500.