FSM 314: Safely Using Frozen Leftovers During the Busiest Season of the Year

Episode transcript [Music] I’m Susie Craig. Welcome to Food Safety in a Minute. It’s a busy time of the year. Minimize time in the kitchen, go easy on your budget, and minimize food waste by taking inventory and using frozen leftovers. Frozen leftovers maintain quality between two and six months of storage. Use the oldest first, especially if you’re tempted to use Thanksgiving leftovers. For flexible family meals, thaw leftovers in the refrigerator. You have three to four days to reheat and serve them. Some frozen leftovers including soups or stews can be reheated directly in a saucepan. For quick meal preparation, thawing in a microwave oven with appropriate settings may make sense. All leftovers should be re-heated to 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Always use a food thermometer to check. From Washington State University Extension, this is Food Safety in a Minute. [Music] Resources: Food Safety and Inspection Service – United States Department of Agriculture. Leftovers and Food Safety. https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-basics/leftovers-and-food-safety#_Reheat. Accessed on 10/22/24.