Food Safety for Seniors: Storing Leftovers

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Food Safety for SeniorsStoring Leftovers

• ___________ County Cooperative Extension Service

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Why worry about leftovers?

• Bacteria grows quickly at warm temperatures (40oF
  to 140oF)
• Some increase in number
• Some produce a toxin
• May cause illness if the food is eaten

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The Danger Zone

• 40oF to 140oF
• Less than two hours
• Cumulative
• Thawing at room temperature goes way beyond the
  safe time

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Get the refrigerator ready Clean it out!

• Get rid of leftover meats or vegetables over 3
  days old
• Throw out any food you know was out longer than 2
  hours

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Any on-site refrigeration?

• If staying at the site, ask to store leftovers in
  the refrigerator

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No refrigerator available?

• Go home right after eating
• OR
• Dont take the food home

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How to store leftovers

• Use tight sealing container made for home food
  storage
• Glass
• Transparent plastic
• Date the container

Sept 4
6/23
4/4
June 10
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Is it still safe?

• Dont taste to decide
• Use within 3 days or throw it out

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Summary

• Clean out your refrigerator
• Keep refrigerated if not going straight home
• Go straight home with the food

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Summary

• Store in tight sealing, transparent containers
• Date the containers
• Use leftovers within 3 days or throw them away

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Stay healthy by storing leftover food safely.