How long can leftover food be kept in the refrigerator?

1. The risks of eating spoiled leftover food

If you prepare too much food or have little time to cook, refrigerating leftovers is a good idea. However, you need to store them properly. Factors such as the type of food, the cooking method, and the appropriate storage method all affect the shelf life of leftovers.

First, food should be placed in airtight containers or sealed in airtight storage boxes to help prevent bacterial contamination, maintain moisture, and keep the refrigerator free of food odors.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 3-4 days is the general rule for how long leftover food should be consumed. Leftover food may look fine even after several weeks, but that doesn't mean it's safe. Eating leftovers that are past their expiration date or haven't been properly reheated can put you at risk of food poisoning with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and fever.

It's important to note that some foods, such as uncooked animal products (meat, chicken, eggs, and seafood), are more likely to contain bacteria that can cause illness.

Those at higher risk of food poisoning include: People 65 years and older; Children under 5 years old; Pregnant women; People with weakened immune systems such as those with diabetes, liver disease, kidney disease, HIV, or cancer.

If you want to extend the shelf life of food, store it in the freezer. After thawing, if you don't eat it all, the safest option is to discard the remaining food.

2. Storage times for certain foods in the refrigerator

Fruits and vegetables

According to guidelines from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), fruits and vegetables must be washed under running water and stored in a clean refrigerator at a temperature of 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4.4 degrees Celsius) or below.

For best flavor and freshness, eat refrigerated fruit within 1-3 days. Cooked potatoes and other vegetables can be safely stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Some fruits, like apples, produce ethylene when ripening. This gas causes other foods to ripen or spoil faster if stored together. For example, apples cause other fruits to ripen more quickly because they produce high levels of ethylene. Therefore, apples should not be stored in the same container as other fruits.

However, not all fruits and vegetables are sensitive to ethylene. Cherries, pineapples, garlic, grapefruit, etc., can be safely stored together with or next to items that produce this gas.

Milk and eggs

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), raw eggs can be safely stored for 3-5 weeks after being refrigerated. Hard-boiled eggs can be stored for one week. You should store eggs and dairy products at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or slightly lower.

Dairy products have varying shelf lives depending on the type. Yogurt can be stored for 1-2 weeks; soft and fresh cheeses can be stored for a week; and hard cheeses can be stored for 3-4 weeks after opening.

Poultry

Cooked poultry and processed poultry products such as chicken nuggets or patties can be kept for 3-4 days. Canned meat, once opened and sliced, can be kept for 3-5 days; cooked ham wrapped in its original form can be kept for a week or 3-5 days if sliced.

Fish and shellfish

According to the FDA, cooked fish can be stored for 3-4 days, and smoked fish for up to 14 days. Shellfish that have been removed should be stored for a maximum of 3 days, and cooked shellfish with their shells intact can be stored for a maximum of 2 days in the refrigerator.

Bread

The U.S. Department of Agriculture advises that pre-baked bread and rolls can be stored in the refrigerator for 1-2 weeks. Do not eat bread that shows signs of mold.

Cold salad

Cold salads (such as egg, chicken, ham, tuna, and pasta salads) can be safely stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Dessert

The shelf life of desserts in the refrigerator varies. According to the USDA, store-bought or homemade cookies can last up to two months in the refrigerator, while moist desserts like cheesecake can last for a week.

3. Tips for safely storing food in the refrigerator

To ensure food safety when eating cooked food, it is necessary to refrigerate cooked food within 2 hours of cooking and consume it within 3-4 days. Food should be stored in airtight containers or resealable bags. Set the refrigerator to the appropriate temperature (4°C or lower) to prevent food spoilage.

Different sections of the refrigerator should be used for different types of food. Meat and dairy products should be stored on the top shelves, while produce and cooked foods should be placed on lower shelves. Label containers or bags with the food name and cooking date directly on them, and be sure to remove any leftover food from the refrigerator if it is past its safe-to-use date.