Leftovers can be kept for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. After that, the risk of food poisoning goes up. If you don't think you'll be able to eat leftovers within four days, freeze them right away. Frozen leftovers will stay safe for a long time. But they usually taste better if eaten within 3 to 4 months.
After 3 to 4 days, germs, also called bacteria, may begin to grow in refrigerated leftovers. This growth increases the risk of food poisoning, also called foodborne illness. Bacteria typically don't change the taste, smell or look of food. So you can't tell whether a food is dangerous to eat. If you're in doubt about a food's safety, it's best to throw it out.
What if the leftovers have been sitting out?
The best plan is to put leftovers in the refrigerator right after your meal. Food that is sitting out for a party or picnic should be chilled after two hours at typical room temperature. If it's above 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 degrees Celsius) or more, food should not sit out for more than one hour.
The key for food safety is to keep hot food hot and cold food cold. Your goal is to lower the time that food is in the "danger zone." That means between 40 degrees Fahrenheit and 140 degrees Fahrenheit (4 degrees Celsius and 60 degrees Celsius). This is the temperature range when bacteria can multiply fast.
Keep hot foods above 140 degrees Fahrenheit (60 degrees Celsius) in a warming tray or slow cooker while sitting out. Cold perishable foods, such as chicken salad or cold meat sandwiches, can be put in serving dishes in bowls of ice.
How do I safely reheat leftovers?
Reheat leftovers until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius). Stir the food when reheating to make sure the food heats evenly. Slow cookers aren't suggested for reheating leftovers because the slow rate the temperature raises may promote bacterial growth.
Frozen leftovers should be thawed before cooking. Do not thaw leftovers by leaving them on the counter.
You can safely thaw frozen food three ways. You can microwave it, move it to the refrigerator to thaw overnight or put it in a leakproof container in cold water.
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May 14, 2024
- Leftovers and food safety. U.S. Department of Agriculture. https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-basics/leftovers-and-food-safety. Accessed Sept. 6, 2022.
- Foodborne illness and disease. U.S. Department of Agriculture. https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/foodborne-illness-and-disease. Accessed Sept. 7, 2022.
- Slow cookers and food safety. U.S. Department of Agriculture. https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-basics/slow-cookers-and-food-safety. Accessed Sept. 7, 2022.
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FAQs
Leftovers can be kept for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. After that, the risk of food poisoning goes up. If you don't think you'll be able to eat leftovers within four days, freeze them right away. Frozen leftovers will stay safe for a long time.
Are leftovers ok after 5 days? ›
When it comes to refrigerated leftovers, the USDA says for most food it's best to eat it within three to four days to be safe. And the FDA lays out similar guidance, with a strict four-day maximum for most leftovers.
Can you eat cooked meat after 5 days? ›
USDA recommends using cooked leftovers within 3 to 4 days. There are two different families of bacteria: pathogenic bacteria, the kind that cause foodborne illness, and spoilage bacteria, the kind of bacteria that cause foods to deteriorate and develop unpleasant odors, tastes, and textures.
Can you eat 12 day old leftovers? ›
How long do leftovers last? According to the FDA Food Code, all perishable foods that are opened or prepared should be thrown out after 7 days, maximum. No leftovers should survive in your fridge for longer than that. Some foods should be even be thrown away before the 7 day mark.
How long are leftovers good for chart? ›
Cold Food Storage Chart
| Food | Type | Refrigerator [40°F (4°C) or below] |
|---|
| Soups and stews | Vegetable or meat added | 3 to 4 days |
| Leftovers | Cooked meat or poultry | 3 to 4 days |
| Chicken nuggets or patties | 3 to 4 days |
| Pizza | 3 to 4 days |
49 more rowsSep 19, 2023
FoodSafety.gov, a federal consumer resource on food safety, suggests that chicken salad, chicken nuggets and patties, and leftover cooked (roasted, sautéed, fried) chicken can last in your fridge between three and four days.
Can I eat 6 day old pasta? ›
As you can see, no pasta, once cooked, is going to last longer than 5 days. In fact, if it's been in the fridge that long, it's probably best to get rid of it. Pasta lasts longer if it's been cooked in a sauce, such as leftover spaghetti bolognese or in lasagna, as this helps to preserve the ingredients.
Can I eat soup after 7 days? ›
A general rule of thumb is that soup can be stored in the refrigerator for about three days, but you should always taste your dish before deciding to reheat. A clear, vegetable-based soup with some acidity, such as tomatoes, may last longer. Chicken soup usually lasts three to five days.
Can you eat cooked potatoes after 5 days? ›
Cooked potatoes and other cooked vegetables can be safely kept in the refrigerator 3 to 4 days. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates fruits and vegetables, if more information is needed on produce, you can call the FDA toll-free at (888) 723-3366 or go to their website at FDA (www.fda.gov).
Can I eat week old Chinese food? ›
The Gist: Chinese food leftovers can last three to four days in the fridge. Food should never be left at room temperature for more than two hours. Store leftover Chinese food in airtight containers, not the original takeout container.
Some obvious signs that your leftovers are no longer safe to eat is if there is a color change or visible mold. If you also notice a difference in texture, such as the food looking dried or shriveled, or a sheet of slime on the surface, you can assume that the food is also likely spoiled and should be trashed.
What is the general rule for leftovers? ›
Leftovers can be kept in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days or frozen for 3 to 4 months. Although safe indefinitely, frozen leftovers can lose moisture and flavor when stored for longer times in the freezer.
Can I eat cooked sausage after 5 days? ›
Information. All sausages- except dry sausage - are perishable and therefore must be kept refrigerated or frozen. Uncooked fresh sausage can be stored in the refrigerator one to two days; after cooking, keep for three to four days refrigerated (40 °F or less).
Can you eat 5 day old pizza refrigerated? ›
(WTVO) — If you're eyeing that week-old pizza in the fridge and wondering if it's safe to eat it, you might want to think twice. According to the USDA, if the pizza has been refrigerated at a temperature below 40 degrees, its only safe to eat for up to 4 days.
Can you eat cooked chicken after 5 days? ›
USDA recommends using cooked chicken within three to four days, kept refrigerated (40°F or less). Refrigeration slows but does not stop bacterial growth. USDA recommends using cooked leftovers within three to four days.
How long can leftovers safely be stored in the refrigerator? ›
Leftovers can be kept in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days or frozen for 3 to 4 months. Although safe indefinitely, frozen leftovers can lose moisture and flavor when stored for longer times in the freezer.
Can you eat a ready meal 4 days out of date? ›
never eat food after the use-by date, even if it looks and smells ok. it is safe to eat food until midnight on the use-by date shown on a product, but not after, unless the food has been cooked or frozen.
