Eating out or picking up a “to-go” order on the way home is handy, but you may find your fridge filled with restaurant leftovers.
Do you know there’s a safe way to store your leftovers? Keep the tacos and not the bacteria by following these tips from FoodSafety.gov.
Follow these tips
1. If you’re not going straight home after leaving a restaurant, skip the leftovers. The faster food gets to the refrigerator, the less likely bacteria are to grow.
2. Meat and poultry leftovers are safely refrigerated at 40°F for up to four days. Eggs and lunch meats are safely stored at 40°F up to five days. You can also store cooked meat and poultry leftovers in the freezer at 0°F or below for two to six months.
3. Reheat only the leftover portions you plan to eat right away. Use a food thermometer to ensure the food reaches a safe-to-eat internal temperature of 165°F.
4. When using the microwave, spread out food evenly on a microwave-safe plate and stir halfway through reheating. If reheating in the oven, keep the oven temperature at 325°F or higher.
5. Liquid leftovers like soups, sauces, and gravies should be reheated to a boil.
6. Finally, when in doubt — throw it out! For more food safety tips, visit www.foodsafety.gov.
Source: USDA Food Safety and Inspection Services, 10 Smart Tips to Keep Your Restaurant Leftovers Safe
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