With festival season going on many of us may have excess food and mithai in our refrigerators. However, is it safe to store them for a long period? Let us know what food experts say.
The storage time for cooked food in the fridge depends on the type of food and how it is stored. In general, most cooked foods can be safely stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. After this time, the quality of the food may start to degrade, and there is an increased risk of bacterial growth.
According to Jesus Garcia, public affairs specialist with the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service says that the general rule is that all cooked food is safe in a refrigerator kept at 4 degrees Celsius for up to only four days. All perishable items should be put in the fridge within 2 hours of being cooked or taken out of the fridge, else bacteria start to multiply. Leftovers should always be reheated at 70 degrees Celsius.
Let it cool down:
It's important to cool cooked food quickly before placing it in the refrigerator, as rapid cooling helps prevent the growth of bacteria. Divide large portions into smaller, shallow containers to facilitate quicker cooling.
Different storage guidelines:
Additionally, some specific foods may have different storage guidelines. For example, cooked poultry and fish are best consumed within 1 to 2 days, while cooked rice can be stored for up to a week if properly refrigerated.
Check colour, texture, smell
Always use your judgment and check for any signs of spoilage, such as off odours or changes in color or texture, before consuming refrigerated leftovers. If in doubt, it's better to err on the side of caution and discard food that may be unsafe to eat.
Also watch: Reclaim your health post festivities, follow these tips for a healthy detox