Safety first: Enjoy Thanksgiving leftovers without worry

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Turkey pot pie anyone?

As you think of clever ways to serve up those Thanksgiving leftovers, remember to keep food safety in mind. After all, you and your guests eagerly awaiting Nanna’s famous sweet potato casserole or other holiday leftover favorites, deserve to enjoy these dishes safely and worry-free.

Sanja Ilic, food safety expert with The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES), emphasizes the importance of understanding how to handle and store Thanksgiving leftovers.

“The recommended refrigerated storage time for different foods can vary, but in general, the time is quite short,” said Ilic, who is a food safety state specialist with Ohio State University Extension, CFAES’ outreach arm. “For instance, the U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends storing cooked turkey for no longer than three to four days.”

Despite the deliciousness of those leftovers, many consumers do not adhere to these safety guidelines. A study conducted by the USDA revealed that one-third of participants would eat leftovers longer than four days after cooking. This behavior can increase the risk of foodborne illnesses, as bacteria can proliferate on leftovers stored beyond the recommended timeframe.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in six Americans could get sick from food poisoning this year, which can lead to long-term health consequences.

“This is especially important for individuals at higher risk for infections, including the elderly, young children, pregnant women, and those with underlying health conditions,” Ilic said. “Harmful bacteria often do not alter the taste, smell, or appearance of food, making it difficult to determine if leftovers are still safe.”

If you plan to keep leftover turkey for an extended period, freezing is a safe option.

Properly prepared frozen turkey can be safely eaten indefinitely, although its quality may decline after about four months. The USDA advises removing the turkey from the bone, slicing it into smaller pieces, and storing it in airtight containers to maintain quality and safety.

Ilic also emphasizes the importance of proper storage practices.

“Cover and wrap leftovers in airtight packaging or seal them in storage containers to help prevent bacterial growth, retain moisture, and keep leftovers from absorbing odors,” she said.

Sometimes, there are leftover “leftovers.” It is safe to refreeze any food remaining after reheating previously frozen leftovers to the safe temperature of 165 F as measured with a food thermometer.

If a large container of leftovers was frozen and only a portion of it is needed, it is safe to thaw the leftovers in the refrigerator, remove the needed portion, and refreeze the remainder of the thawed leftovers without reheating.

Additionally, the following are some tips from the USDA regarding leftovers:

• Keep leftovers in a cooler with ice or frozen gel packs if the food is traveling home with a guest who lives more than two hours away.
• Store stuffing separately from leftover turkey. Remove the stuffing from the turkey and refrigerate the stuffing and the meat separately.
• When reheating cooked foods, be sure to use a food thermometer to ensure they have been heated to an internal temperature of 165 F.

As families contemplate creative ways to enjoy Thanksgiving leftovers, remember to prioritize food safety. Keeping informed and practicing proper food storage techniques can ensure that everyone enjoys those cherished holiday dishes safely.

For more information on food safety and related resources, visit the CFAES website.