How long can you safely keep leftovers in the refrigerator?
Answer fromKatherine Zeratsky, RD, LD
Leftovers can be kept in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. After this, the risk of food poisoning increases. If you don't think you can eat the leftovers within four days, freeze them immediately. Frozen leftovers remain safe for a long time. But they usually taste better if eaten within 3 to 4 months.
After 3 to 4 days, bacteria, also called germs, can start to grow in refrigerated leftovers. This growth increases the risk of food poisoning, also called foodborne illness. Bacteria generally do not change the taste, smell or appearance of food. So you cannot say whether a food is dangerous to eat. If you have any doubts about the safety of food, it is best to throw it away.
What if the leftovers are left behind?
The best plan is to put leftovers in the refrigerator immediately after the meal. Food left outside for a party or picnic should be refrigerated after two hours at normal room temperature. If it is above 32 degrees Celsius (90 degrees Fahrenheit) or more, food should not be left out for more than an hour.
The key to food safety is keeping hot food hot and cold food cold. Your goal is to shorten the time the food is in the "danger zone." This means between 40 degrees Fahrenheit and 140 degrees Fahrenheit (4 degrees Celsius and 60 degrees Celsius). This is the temperature range in which bacteria can multiply rapidly.
Store hot food above 60 degrees Celsius in a warming plate or slow cooker while sitting outside. Cold, perishable foods, such as chicken salad or deli sandwiches, can be placed in serving dishes over bowls of ice.
How can I safely reheat leftovers?
Heat the leftovers until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius). Stir the food while reheating to ensure that the food is heated evenly. Slow cookers are not recommended for reheating leftovers because the slow rate at which the temperature rises can promote bacterial growth.
Frozen leftovers should be thawed before cooking. Don't thaw leftovers by leaving them on the counter.
You can thaw frozen products safely in three ways. You can microwave it, place it in the refrigerator to thaw overnight, or place it in an airtight container in cold water.
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- Residues and food safety. US Department of Agriculture. https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-basics/leftovers-and-food-safety. Accessed September 6, 2022.
- Foodborne diseases and conditions. US Department of Agriculture. https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/foodborne-illness-and-disease. Accessed September 7, 2022.
- Slow cookers and food safety. US Department of Agriculture. https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-basics/slow-cookers-and-food-safety. Accessed September 7, 2022.
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