5 common leftover mistakes that could put your health at risk

To avoid them, she shared five important guidelines everyone should follow:

#1

Leftovers should be refrigerated within two hours of cooking. Leaving cooked food at room temperature for a long time allows bacteria to multiply quickly. In hot weather, food should be refrigerated even sooner.

#2

Store leftovers in clean, airtight containers. This helps maintain freshness and prevents contamination from other foods in the refrigerator. It also helps the food cool more quickly.

#3

Consume refrigerated leftovers within two to three days. Keeping food for too long increases the risk of bacterial growth, even if the food looks and smells normal.

Store leftovers in clean, airtight containers. (Source: Magnific)

#4

Reheat food thoroughly before eating. The food should be steaming hot all the way through, including the center. Uneven heating can leave some bacteria alive, increasing the risk of illness.

#5

Reheat only the portion you plan to eat. Repeatedly cooling and reheating the same food can encourage bacterial growth and reduce food quality.

What to strictly avoid

Raj also mentioned some practices that people should strictly avoid:

“Do not leave leftovers on the kitchen counter overnight, as this creates ideal conditions for bacteria to grow. Avoid eating them that have an unusual smell, taste, color, or texture, as these may be signs of spoilage,” she warned, adding that you should not mix fresh food with old leftovers in the same container. It is also important not to overload the refrigerator, as proper cooling is necessary to keep food safe, she added.

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.