Food safety is very important, especially when it comes to leftovers. Many people might try to guess if food is still good by smelling it, but that’s a risky game to play. Knowing how long cooked food can safely stay in the refrigerator isn’t just about taste; it’s a very important step to avoid getting sick from bad food.
How Long Can Cooked Food Stay in the Refrigerator?
So, “how long is too long?” The simple rule that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) suggests is 3 to 4 days. This is the safe amount of time for most cooked foods to be kept in the fridge before there’s a real chance of harmful bacteria starting to grow. Even if your food looks and smells perfectly fine after this time, it could still have dangerous bacteria like Listeria or Salmonella. These types of bacteria can grow well even in cold refrigerator temperatures.
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