Extension for Real Life

Leftover Food Safety

Raise your hand if you love Thanksgiving leftovers! There’s nothing I love more than leaving our family’s Thanksgiving gathering and being told to fix myself a to-go plate. And by plate, I mean two or three!

If you’re like me, you tend to leave with more food than you came with. From turkey sandwiches to creative dishes, leftovers are one of the best parts of the holiday season—that is if handled safely. We’ve got a few tips from the U.S. Department of Agriculture on ways to keep your leftovers both safe and delicious. 

• Cover leftovers with airtight plastic wrap or use sealed storage containers. Making sure food is properly stored helps retain moisture and keep bacteria out.
• A good rule of thumb is to not eat anything that has been stored in a refrigerator longer than three or four days. If you’re not sure if you should eat something that’s been in the fridge for a while, play it safe and throw it out.
• When reheating, ensure the food reaches a temperature of 165°F. If you have soups or sauces, reheat them by bringing them to a boil.
• If you decide to freeze leftovers, using them within three to four months is best. They’ll have better flavor and consistency. One thing to note about frozen foods: They are safe to eat indefinitely (if they are kept at a constant temperature of 0°F or lower), but they start to lose moisture and flavor when stored for a long time.
• The three safest ways to thaw frozen leftovers include using cold water, placing in the refrigerator, and using the microwave. Once thawed, eat food within three or four days. If you don’t finish leftovers, you can refreeze them.

Follow these simple tips to keep you and your loved ones safe from foodborne illness this holiday season. After all, everyone deserves to savor every bite worry-free!

Here are a few more food safety resources to keep on hand during the holiday season:

• Holiday Food Safety Tips 
• MSU Extension Publication 3453, “Holiday Food Safety”
• Four Steps to Food Safety from the CDC