Store and reheat leftovers safely

Cooked food can grow harmful bacteria if it stays at room temperature too long.

Cool and store

• Put leftovers in the fridge within two hours of cooking. If it is a very hot day, do it within one hour.
• Use shallow containers so food cools quickly.
• Keep your fridge cold, at or below 40°F (4°C).

How long they last

Most cooked leftovers keep for three to four days in the fridge. Freeze what you will not eat by then.

Reheat properly

Reheat food until it is steaming hot all the way through, around 165°F (74°C). Stir halfway through if you use a microwave. Reheat only the amount you plan to eat, and do not reheat the same food again and again.

Take extra care with rice and meat

Cool rice quickly and refrigerate it soon after cooking. Keep raw meat away from ready-to-eat food.