In plain English
How long are leftovers safe to eat?
The Simple Answer
Most cooked leftovers keep for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. Get them into the fridge within 2 hours of cooking, or within 1 hour if the air around the food is hotter than 90°F.
These are the rules the U.S. Department of Agriculture gives for leftovers. They apply to ordinary cooked food at home. They are general guidance, not a promise about any one dish.
The two-hour rule
Bacteria grow fastest between 40°F and 140°F, so the time food spends in that range matters. The USDA says to refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours of cooking, or within 2 hours of taking food off an appliance that was keeping it warm. In hot weather, such as an outdoor picnic in summer when the temperature is over 90°F, that shortens to 1 hour. Perishable food left out longer than that should be thrown away.
How long in the fridge and the freezer
| Where | How long |
|---|---|
| Refrigerator at 40°F or below | 3 to 4 days |
| Freezer | 3 to 4 months |
| Room temperature | 2 hours at most (1 hour above 90°F) |
Sunday dinner
Cooked on Sunday evening and put away within 2 hours.
3 days later is Wednesday and 4 days later is Thursday. Eat it by then, or freeze it.
Reheating
The USDA says to reheat leftovers until they reach 165°F, measured with a food thermometer, and to bring sauces, soups and gravies to a rolling boil. A thermometer is the only way to be sure. Looking steamy on top does not tell you what the middle is doing.
Things people often miss
- The clock starts when the food finishes cooking, not when you sit down to eat.
- The 3 to 4 days is a limit, not a goal. Smell and look are not reliable tests.
- A fridge that is warmer than 40°F shortens every time on this page.
- Write the date on the container so you do not have to remember it.