US EditionRead Before You Reheat: The Real Deadline for Eating, Storing Thanksgiving Leftovers
Toxicologist Brad Reisfeld advises refrigerating leftovers within two hours and consuming most cooked foods within three to four days to prevent foodborne illness.
- On the Colorado State University podcast, toxicologist Brad Reisfeld, PhD, urged home cooks and consumers to prioritize timing, temperature and common sense soon to avoid holiday food poisoning.
- Health experts note that bacteria multiply fastest in the ‘‘danger zone’’ between 40°F and 140°F, increasing spoilage and illness risk if leftovers remain at unsafe temperatures.
- For common dishes, experts note that most leftovers should be eaten within two to four days, turkey and large cooked meats last three to four days, cranberry sauce lasts seven days, and pumpkin pie must be eaten within two to three days.
- To reduce immediate risk, refrigerate or freeze leftovers within two hours in shallow airtight containers and reheat to at least 165°F, avoiding slow cookers, advises the U.S. Department of Agriculture .
- Beyond immediate steps, experts say following these tips can reduce foodborne illness, limit waste and stretch grocery budgets by turning leftovers into several days of meals, while dispelling common food‑safety myths about refrigerating hot food and pie storage for home cooks and consumers.
13 Articles
13 Articles
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How Long Can You Eat Thanksgiving Leftovers?
Source: yulka3ice / Getty Thanksgiving Day is about family, friends, and food. But the Thanksgiving weekend is about the leftovers, and one of the most talked-about questions every year is: How long can you eat Thanksgiving leftovers? As households dive into round two, three or four of Thanksgiving leftovers, knowing food safety tips and guidelines can prevent illness and extend your holiday feast. How To Properly Store Leftovers to Keep Them Sa…
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