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Refrigerate Promptly
Refrigerate foods quickly and at a proper temperature to slow the growth of bacteria and prevent foodborne illness. Leftover foods from a meal should not stay out of refrigeration longer than 2 hours. In hot weather (80 degrees F or above), this time is reduced to 1 hour.
Also make sure your refrigerator is set below 40 degrees F. This will keep perishable foods out what's called the "danger zone" - 40 degrees F or above. Keep a refrigerator thermometer inside your refrigerator at all times!!
General guideline for leftovers
Keeps up To
Cooked fresh vegetables 3-4 days
Cooked pasta 3-5 days
Cooked rice 1 week
Deli counter meats 5 days
Greens 1-2 days
Meat
Ham,cooked and sliced 3-4 days
Hot dogs, opened 1 week
Lunch meats, packaged opened 3-5 days
Cooked beef, pork, poultry,
fish, and meat casseroles 3-4 days
Cooked patties and nuggets
gravy and broth 1-2 days
Seafood cooked 2 days
Soups and stews 3-4 days
Stuffing 1-2 days
When in doubt, throw it out!!! |
