Thanksgiving Leftovers: When To Eat, Freeze, Toss

Thanksgiving leftovers are the gifts that keep on giving, but how long is it really safe to continue snacking on those turkey scraps and slices of pie stashed in your refrigerator?

Turns out, there are several factors to consider when stacking away leftovers, including which containers to store food in.

According to FoodSafety.gov, a website with information provided by government agencies, the following advice should be heeded:

• All perishable food items should go back into the refrigerator within two hours of coming out of the fridge. Food that gets warmer than 40 degrees Fahrenheit, or cooler than 140 degrees, can breed unsafe bacteria.
• Food should be stored in small, shallow containers, so it can cool more quickly in the refrigerator.
• Leftovers can remain in the fridge until Monday, at which point they should be tossed out or frozen.
• Frozen leftovers will store indefinitely, but the quality and flavors will degrade over time. FoodSafety.gov recommends eating frozen leftovers within six months.
• Frozen leftovers should be reheated to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
• If using a microwave, make sure to reheat food thoroughly on a covered, microwave-safe glass or ceramic dish. Some items, like bread and dense meats, should be reheated separately, as they have different cooking times.

A Westchester County nutritional educator previously told Patch the best way to maintain the quality of frozen food is to store it in portion-sized airtight containers or airless bags, when possible.

But, most importantly, a simple piece of advice prevails: "When in doubt, throw it out."

Representatives from the U.S. Department of Agriculture are standing by to help home cooks across the country ensure their food is cooked, stored and kept properly. The USDA's Meat and Poultry Hotline can be reached at 1-888-674-6854 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day.

A live chat feature can also be reached from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the USDA's website.