It may be tempting to swallow your thanksgiving feast for several days, but food safety experts warn that you may fall seriously ill If you can’t handle it properly the leftovers,
“Leftovers are one of the best parts of Thanksgiving, but once the food is gone, they need to be stored safely,” Lester SchoenbergerAn associate extension specialist in the Department of Food Science and Technology at Virginia Tech, said last week,
Hot foods should be consumed, stored or reheated within four hours of leaving the oven, Schoenberger said. You have six hours to eat or refrigerate cold foods, although you should throw away any cold food that reaches an internal temperature of 70 degrees Fahrenheit or higher during that time.
Leftovers can usually be kept in the refrigerator for three or four days – basically until the Monday after Thanksgiving – and Keep in the freezer for two to six months,
But it’s not as simple as putting a few pans in the fridge and closing the door. First, you should use airtight heavy-duty foil, plastic wrap, freezer paper, or plastic storage bags to seal the food before storing it.
Schonenberger recommends dividing leftovers into shallow containers and cooling hot food to 41 degrees Fahrenheit or less before placing it in the refrigerator or freezer.
Bacteria grow fastest between 40 degrees Fahrenheit and 140 degrees Fahrenheit, called the “danger zone.”
This disease can be caused by eating food contaminated with bacteria or other pathogens. food poisoning, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates Every year in the US, 48 million people suffer from foodborne illnesses, 128,000 of which are sent to the hospital and 3,000 die.
Turkey and other poultry include Foods most likely to cause food poisoning – There is no danger of cooking it to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit to kill any harmful bacteria.
Cooked poultry and casserole-style foods can be stored in the freezer for up to four months, while cooked bacon, ham, beef and macaroni and cheese usually have a shorter shelf life in the freezer.
Freezer storage time for cooked fish It depends on the type of fish and storage method.
“Keep in mind that the longer food remains in the freezer, the more the flavor will change due to increased moisture evaporation,” said Schonenberger.
Federal food safety experts advise Reheating leftover food to at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Covering food before placing it in the microwave helps it heat evenly. Use a food thermometer to check in several places to make sure it is thoroughly cooked.
Sauces, soups and gravies should be simmered on low flame on the stove.
Schonenberger said there are a few ways to tell if your food has gone bad — you notice something growing on it or it develops an unusual odor, taste or texture.
“‘When in doubt, throw it out’ is a good rule of thumb,” he said. “If you’re not sure the food is still good, err on the side of safety.”