Perhaps you’ve spent time entertaining and had food left over. Or, you attended a holiday event where the food supplies outpaced the people’s demand. So, how do you handle those leftover foods so that uninvited guests, such as a foodborne illness, don’t make an appearance?

Simple. Follow food safety guidelines from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Here are some simple rules to follow to help ensure that your holiday enjoyment isn’t ruined by a food pathogen:

• The Two-Hour Rule
  Leftover safety follows a two-hour rule: perishable items should be refrigerated within two hours of serving. In high temperatures, as those above 90 degrees Fahrenheit, this window reduces to one hour. Foods left out longer should be discarded to avoid potential problems, like bacteria growth.
• Storing leftovers
  Store leftovers in small, shallow containers. This helps them cool more quickly while also minimizing the risk of bacterial growth. The containers should be airtight and secured to maintain food quality and safety.
• Freezing
  Leftovers should be eaten within four days. If you are unable to (or expect that you won’t) eat the item within that time, freeze the food to use at another time. When pulling that food from the freezer to use again, always thaw it in the refrigerator and not on the countertop.
• Reheating safely
  Make sure the internal temperature of reheated food items reaches at least 165 F, as verified by a food thermometer, to kill any bacteria. If you are reheating food in a microwave, make sure to cover the item and rotate (and/or stir) the food to ensure even heating. Sauces, soups, and gravies should be brought to a rolling boil to reach safe temperatures. Avoid using slow cookers for reheating, as they might not reach temperatures high enough to eliminate bacteria.

Lastly, dispose of any food that has been left out for too long or shows signs of spoilage.

For more information on safe food handling practices, visit the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service website, or visit the agency’s ask.usda.gov page to search by topic or start a live chat with a representative.

By following food safety practices, you can ensure that your holiday and everyday leftovers are delicious and safe for you and your family to enjoy.

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