It is the day after Thanksgiving, and the refrigerator is full of leftovers. It is important to know how long these leftovers should actually last to avoid foodborne illnesses.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food and Safety and Inspection Service recommends throwing out refrigerated leftovers after three to four days. If certain foods are kept in the freezer, they can still be eaten for three to four months after Thanksgiving.
It is important to properly store and refrigerate all leftovers within two hours at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or colder. To store them, pack the leftovers into small containers and resealable plastic bags. Storing food in smaller portions makes it easier and more convenient for them to be used when taken straight from the freezer. Using freezer or storage-specific plastic bags and plastic wrap helps prevent freezer burn because they are thicker than normal bags. Push out as much air as possible to limit any exposure to the surface of the food, which also helps prevent freezer burn.
Throw away any food that doesn’t keep well in the refrigerator, such as salads, which can become soggy and wilted. Greens such as kale and cabbage can last for up to three days.
Remove any stuffing from inside the turkey and store it separately in airtight containers. Stuffing can last up to four days in the refrigerator and two to three months in the freezer.
When storing leftover turkey, cut the turkey into smaller pieces and store them separately in small airtight containers. Turkey can last for four days in the fridge and four months in the freezer.
Gravy can last for four days in the fridge and up to four months in the freezer. When reheating the gravy, add it to a saucepan and cover it with a lid, and bring it to a rolling boil.
Homemade cranberry sauce can stay good for a week to 10 days in the fridge. Canned cranberry sauce can be kept for up to two weeks when stored in an airtight container and refrigerated. It is not recommended to freeze cranberry sauce.
Potatoes and yams can be stored in the refrigerator for four days and up to two months in the freezer.
Desserts such as fruit pies can be kept at room temperature for two days. After two days, they can be stored in the refrigerator, loosely covered, for two more days.
It is important to note that you should always reheat leftovers to 165 degrees Fahrenheit, as it destroys most foodborne pathogens, preventing you from developing food poisoning.
If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of food poisoning, you can receive treatment at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. Please call (718) 206-7001 to schedule an appointment.
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.