How to store leftovers safely to prevent food poisoning.
The principles of storing leftover food to prevent food poisoning.
Below are some key points to safely store leftovers:
1. Proper TemperatureMost people believe they should wait for food to cool before placing it in the refrigerator, but the opposite is true. Even in hot weather, it’s best to refrigerate food quickly to prevent bacteria from multiplying. Leftovers should be stored at temperatures below 5°C and reheated to at least 60°C. Other temperature ranges provide ideal conditions for harmful bacteria to thrive.
Additionally, frequently opening and closing the refrigerator door can raise its internal temperature, reducing cooling efficiency and increasing electricity bills.
You should also pay attention to the refrigerator’s capacity. If the fridge is overstuffed, cold air circulation is hindered, leading to wasted energy, reduced cooling efficiency, and shorter food preservation times. Nutrition experts recommend keeping your refrigerator 70–80% full and cleaning it regularly to avoid food safety issues.
2. Store Leftovers Within Two HoursLeftovers should be placed in the freezer or refrigerator within two hours after cooking to prevent harmful bacteria from spreading.
3. Use Appropriate Storage ContainersAccording to Mitzi Baum, CEO of STOP Foodborne Illness in the U.S., all leftovers should be stored in shallow, sealable containers to cool faster. Food should be packed in dry, airtight containers to prevent air from entering.
4. Place Cooked Food on Upper Shelves and Raw Food BelowCooked food should always be stored on the upper shelves to avoid cross-contamination from the juices, blood, or bacteria of raw food.
5. Portion Food Before FreezingThawing and refreezing food multiple times can cause ice crystals to melt and reform, reducing food quality and encouraging bacterial growth. To avoid this, divide food into smaller portions before freezing.
6. Label Food with Purchase or Cooking DatesLabeling food with dates helps track how long it has been stored, allowing you to discard items nearing expiration promptly.
