How long do leftovers last?

One of the best parts of the holidays is enjoying the leftovers. Here are some tips on how to safely store your holiday meal.

The joyful indulgence of a holiday meal doesn't need to end when everybody gets up from the table -- it's a time-honored tradition to dig back into your leftovers in the days following a big holiday or even to give them new life as sandwiches or casseroles.

Leftovers, though, don't last forever, and it's important to practice good food safety habits to prevent the spread of foodborne illnesses.

How long can you safely keep leftovers in the refrigerator?

According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, leftovers can be kept for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. After that, the risk of food poisoning goes up. If you don't think you'll be able to eat leftovers within four days, freeze them right away. Frozen leftovers will stay safe for a long time. But they usually taste better if eaten within 3 to 4 months.

What if leftovers have been sitting out?

The best plan is to put leftovers in the refrigerator right after your meal. Food should be chilled after two hours at typical room temperature. The key for food safety is to keep hot food hot and cold food cold.

How do I safely reheat leftovers?

Reheat leftovers until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Stir the food when reheating to make sure the food heats evenly.

When in doubt, throw it out

You can’t always tell (or smell) when food is contaminated with bacteria — it doesn’t necessarily look spoiled to the naked eye. If you suspect your leftovers may have been sitting out or even in the fridge too long, better to toss them in the trash than take the chance and get sick. Follow the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service's recommendations for handling leftovers safely.