Safe Storage of Leftovers
Posted at: 11/26/2012 12:00 AM
| Updated at: 11/26/2012 5:32 PM
The Thanksgiving meal brings family time and plenty of leftovers to be enjoyed. But what should you do with all that food? Eating Thanksgiving leftovers shouldn't include getting sick because your food spoiled. ABC's Dr. Timothy Johnson explains in this Medical Minute.
Thanksgiving dinner is a meal that really keeps on giving, but there's danger lurking in those leftovers.
Some 400,000 Americans come down with food-borne illnesses such as pain, vomiting, and diarrhea after Thanksgiving.
Experts say follow this formula: 2 hours -- 2 inches -- 4 days:
- Two hours: Refrigerate all leftovers within two hours of the meal.
- Two inches: Fill food containers no more than two inches to allow rapid chilling.
- Four days: Eat leftovers within four days -- otherwise freeze them.
It is also best to remove the turkey meat from the bone, store stuffing separately and keep your refrigerator at 36 to 38 degrees.
Wash cutting boards, kitchen surfaces, and your hands after handling food.
Finally, remember one rule of thumb: when in doubt -- throw it out.
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