Thanksgiving is a day filled with delicious meals and cherished moments with loved ones. As the holiday winds down, the attention shifts to a beloved tradition: enjoying leftovers. To make the most of your Thanksgiving feast and ensure your leftovers remain safe, follow these food safety guidelines from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
1. Storing Leftovers Safely
Proper storage is essential to keep your leftovers fresh and safe to eat.
Refrigerate or freeze within 2 hours: Perishable foods must be stored within two hours of cooking to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. If the environment is hot (above 30°C), such as in a hot kitchen or car, refrigerate food within one hour.
Use shallow containers: Divide large quantities of food, like turkey, into small, shallow containers to speed up cooling. A whole turkey or large dish left to cool in one piece may take too long, allowing bacteria to thrive.
No need to cool to room temperature: Contrary to popular belief, leftovers don’t need to reach room temperature before storage. You can refrigerate or freeze them while still warm, avoiding the danger zone (40°F to 140°F) where bacteria multiply.
2. Shelf Life of Leftovers
Refrigerated leftovers: Thanksgiving leftovers stored in the refrigerator are safe to eat for 3 to 4 days, which means they should be consumed by the following Monday.
Frozen leftovers: If you’d like to enjoy your leftovers later, freeze them. For optimal quality, consume frozen leftovers within 2 to 6 months.
To help track freshness, consider using the USDA’s FoodKeeper app, which offers storage guidelines and reminders for over 600 food items.
3. Reheating Leftovers Safely
Reheat to 165°F: Always ensure leftovers reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before consuming. Use a food thermometer to check, particularly with dense foods like casseroles or meats.
Cover while reheating: Cover leftovers to retain moisture and ensure even heating.
Using a microwave:
Arrange food evenly in a microwave-safe dish.
Add a small amount of liquid if needed.
Cover with a vented lid or microwave-safe wrap to create steam, which kills bacteria.
Rotate food and check the temperature in multiple spots to account for cold spots in the microwave.
For soups, sauces, and gravies: Bring them to a rolling boil when reheating to ensure they are safe to eat.
Avoid slow cookers: Slow cookers don’t heat food quickly enough to eliminate bacteria, making them unsuitable for reheating leftovers.
Expert Help for Food Safety Questions
If you have any concerns about food safety or storing Thanksgiving leftovers, the USDA offers expert assistance:
USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline: 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854)
