How long can you keep leftovers? (2024)

How long can you safely keep leftovers in the refrigerator?

Answer From Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D.

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

  1. 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.
  2. Foodborne illness and disease. U.S. Department of Agriculture. https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/foodborne-illness-and-disease. Accessed Sept. 7, 2022.
  3. 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.

See more Expert Answers

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How long can you keep leftovers? (2024)

FAQs

How long can you keep leftovers? ›

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.

How long can you keep leftovers in the fridge UK? ›

4 days. Suppose you've prepared a meal with lots of ingredients, like chicken curry. In that case, you can keep it for as long as it's shortest fridge-life ingredient is safe. In the case of cooked chicken, this will be two days.

How long can you keep cooked food in the fridge? ›

Information. The United States Department of Agriculture recommends using cooked leftovers within 3 to 4 days. Refrigeration slows but does not stop bacterial growth.

Can I eat 7 day old chicken? ›

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.

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.

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 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).

How long does pasta last in the fridge? ›

Fresh, store-bought pasta can be stored in the refrigerator for two to three days. This is because it's already been semi-cooked for a longer shelf-life. Homemade pasta, however, can only be stored for around 24 hours in the refrigerator (although it's recommended to eat it within 18 hours).

Can I eat soup that has been in the fridge for a week? ›

For best safety and quality, plan to eat refrigerated soup within 3 to 4 days or freeze it. And avoid letting soup set at room temperature for more than TWO hours.

How long does a sandwich last in the fridge? ›

Sandwiches with Perishable Items: Typically last 1-2 days. The shorter shelf life is due to the sensitivity of ingredients like poultry products or egg salad to bacterial growth. Sandwiches with Processed Meats: Thanks to preservatives, these sandwiches can last 3-5 days.

How long can you keep cooked mince in the fridge in the UK? ›

When you have cooked mince and you're not going to eat it straight away, cool it as quickly as possible and then put it in the fridge or freezer. Leftovers should be put in the fridge within two hours of cooking, and eaten within three days. Remember, never reheat foods more than once.

Can I eat 5 day old leftovers? ›

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.

How to tell if leftovers are bad? ›

Store leftovers within two hours of cooking to avoid the danger zone and bacteria growth. If you notice any signs of spoilage, like changes in the appearance or smell, it's best to toss the leftovers and avoid potential risk of food poisoning.

Can I eat cold leftovers? ›

Leftovers can be eaten cold if they have been cooked properly and cooled and put in the fridge within 2 hours(footnote 4). However, if leftovers are reheated, it is very important that food is steaming hot throughout before it is consumed.

Can you eat cooked lamb after 5 days? ›

All frozen lamb products remain safe indefinitely. Raw ground lamb can be refrigerated 1 to 2 days before cooking; other cuts of raw lamb, 3 to 5 days. After cooking, lamb may be kept in the refrigerator 3 to 4 days.

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.

How long are leftovers good for chart? ›

Cold Food Storage Chart
FoodTypeRefrigerator [40°F (4°C) or below]
Soups and stewsVegetable or meat added3 to 4 days
LeftoversCooked meat or poultry3 to 4 days
Chicken nuggets or patties3 to 4 days
Pizza3 to 4 days
49 more rows
Sep 19, 2023

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