HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Many people will have leftovers after feasting this Thanksgiving. But, how long do leftovers last? The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has food safety tips for the Thanksgiving holiday.
For safely storing your leftover food, the U.S. Department of Agriculture says to keep these tips in mind:
- Store leftover food in shallow containers no more than 2 inches deep.
- Refrigerate or freeze leftovers within two hours.
- Set the fridge temperature between 33 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit, and your freezer at 0 degrees Fahrenheit or lower.
- Remove cooked turkey from the bone, and store it separate from stuffing and gravy.
- Make sure you store any meat, eggs, veggies and milk within two hours.
- Throw away food left out at room temperature for longer than two hours.
- Discard any food you’re unsure of being safe. When in doubt, throw it out.
- Reheat leftovers to 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
The USDA says the Monday after Thanksgiving is the last day to safely eat leftovers.
After two hours, perishable food enters the "Danger Zone", where bacteria can multiply quickly and cause food to become unsafe. The CDC also recommends refrigerating food exposed to temperatures above 90°F within 1 hour. "It is ok to put hot foods directly in the refrigerator," CDC advises.
According to food safety guidelines, the following foods are safe in the fridge:
- Turkey: 3-4 days. Eat turkey within three to four days of cooking. If you use the turkey in a new dish like a soup or casserole, only consume within those initial four days. Another option is freezing the cooked turkey. Turkey can last up to four more months if frozen. However, keep that four-day time frame in mind. If it is frozen two days after cooking, once it is thawed out, it is only good for two more days.
- Stuffing and gravy: 2 days. Use stuffing and gravy within two days of cooking.
- Side dishes: 5 days. Enjoy miscellaneous side dishes up to five days after cooking, depending on the ingredients included in the dishes.
Bacteria and viruses found in food can cause food poisoning. You can prevent foodborne illnesses by washing your hands often and cooking food safely.
