![\"left-overs-food-safety\"](\"http:\/\/foodsafetytrainingcourses.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/left-overs-food-safety.jpg\")
Image Source: Shutterstock<\/a><\/span>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\nLeftovers During the Party – 2 Hour Rule<\/h3>\n
If you have any leftovers from your party, refrigerate them within 2 hours. If food is left out in a hot environment, with temperatures above 90\u00b0F, refrigerate within 1 hour.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/foodsafetytrainingcertification.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/two_hour_rule_food_safety.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Leftovers – Cold Storage Food Safety<\/h3>\n
Leftovers are only safe for 2-3 days in the fridge. After that they may begin to spoil. If you don\u2019t plan to use your leftovers soon, freeze them! They are best 2-3 months in the freezer.<\/p>\n
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A rule of thumb for leftover food to be stored safe, food must be kept under conditions of what is called the Rule of 4<\/strong>: Absolutely no more than 4 days <\/strong>in the refrigerator at 40\u02daF (4\u02daC) or less<\/strong>.<\/p>\n
<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t![\"leftovers-food-safety\"](\"http:\/\/foodsafetytrainingcertification.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/left-overs-food-safety6.jpg\")
Image Source: Shutterstock<\/a><\/span>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\n<\/div>\nLeftovers – Cold Food Storage Tips<\/h3>\n
Follow these tips for best food cold storage results.<\/p>\n
- \n
- Small Portions:<\/strong> Divide perishable food items into smaller portions or pieces, place in a shallow container, and refrigerate (or freeze) within 2 hours after the party.<\/li>\n
- Airtight Packaging:<\/strong> Wrap leftovers in airtight packaging, or seal them into freezer bags or airtight containers. This helps keep bacteria out, retain moisture and prevent leftovers from picking up odors from other food in the refrigerator<\/li>\n
- Refrigerator:<\/strong> Leftovers kept in the refrigerator for 2-3 days<\/em><\/strong> and then must be eaten or put in the freezer.<\/li>\n
- Freezer:<\/strong> Leftovers will last in the freezer for 3-4 months<\/em><\/strong>. Although the leftovers are safe indefinitely in the freezer, they can lose moisture and flavor when stored for longer times.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t![\"leftovers_party_food_safety_illness\"](\"http:\/\/foodsafetytrainingcertification.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/leftovers_party_food_safety_illness_002_shutterstock_252457771.jpg\")
Image Source: Shutterstock<\/a><\/span>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\n<\/div>\nLeftovers – Cold Food Storage Times<\/h3>\n
Use the Refrigerator and Freezer Storage Chart below – recommended by the FDA<\/a> – to know how long to store food in the refrigerator to avoid spoilage:
\nSource: FDA – Refrigerator and Freezer Storage Chart<\/a> (PDF)<\/p>\n - Airtight Packaging:<\/strong> Wrap leftovers in airtight packaging, or seal them into freezer bags or airtight containers. This helps keep bacteria out, retain moisture and prevent leftovers from picking up odors from other food in the refrigerator<\/li>\n
- Small Portions:<\/strong> Divide perishable food items into smaller portions or pieces, place in a shallow container, and refrigerate (or freeze) within 2 hours after the party.<\/li>\n
![\"fda-refrigerator-and-freezer--leftovers-chart\"](\"http:\/\/foodsafetytrainingcertification.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/fda-refrigerator-and-freezer-leftovers-chart-scaled.jpg\")
![\"leftovers_party_food_safety_illness\"](\"http:\/\/foodsafetytrainingcertification.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/leftovers_party_food_safety_illness_012_shutterstock_1265749060.jpg\")