How long do Thanksgiving leftovers really last?

MINNEAPOLIS – From turkey to mashed potatoes to stuffing to pie, many end Thanksgiving with full stomachs and full refrigerators.

But how long can the leftovers last in the fridge?

“The USDA recommends between three and four days, depending on how you handled each food during preparation,” explained Many Sedlak, director of global food safety and public health at Ecolab. “Did you wash your hands and wipe down surfaces during preparation to prevent cross-contamination?”

After the food is prepared, you shouldn’t leave it out for more than two hours, according to the USDA. In an environment over 90 degrees, such as a hot car, the maximum duration is one hour.

“Bacteria can normally grow at temperatures between 40 and 140 degrees Celsius,” Sedlak said.

You can avoid bacterial growth by putting food in the refrigerator as quickly as possible.

When frozen, leftovers will remain at their best quality for up to six months, according to the USDA. They should always be reheated to 165 degrees and only once to avoid foodborne illness.

“Once you’ve cooked something, cooled it, frozen it, reheated it, you’ve been through that temperature danger zone a number of times,” Sedlak said.

Sedlak says bacteria typically don’t change the taste, smell or appearance of the food. If these elements have changed, it is a clear sign to throw away the food.

Frozen leftovers should be thawed before cooking, but not on the counter, Sedlak recommends.