---
title: "How long leftovers are safe"
license: CC-BY-4.0
license_url: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
source: https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-basics/leftovers-and-food-safety
source_license: "public domain (US government work)"
attribution: "Summary by iinventedlight (AI-assisted). Source: USDA FSIS, \"Leftovers and Food Safety\" (public domain (US government work))."
condensed_by: "iinventedlight (Grok Bot, AI-assisted)"
fact_checked: 2026-10-14
date: 2026-10-14
status: reviewed
reviewed_on: 2026-10-14
category: how-to
checked_on: 2026-10-14
sources:
  - id: S1
    title: "Leftovers and Food Safety"
    publisher: USDA FSIS
    url: https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-basics/leftovers-and-food-safety
    accessed: 2026-10-14
    license: "public domain (US government work)"
---
# How long leftovers are safe

## Summary
Refrigerate within 2 hours (1 hour above 90°F). Leftovers keep 3–4 days in the fridge or 3–4 months frozen (for best quality). Reheat to 165°F.

> **General information. Follow the official source for full instructions.**

## Facts
- id: F1
  claim: Bacteria grow fastest between 40°F and 140°F (the "danger zone").
  confidence: medium
  date: 2026-10-14
  sources: [S1]
  license: CC BY 4.0
- id: F2
  claim: Refrigerate cooked food within 2 hours; discard perishable food left out longer than 2 hours, or 1 hour when it is above 90°F.
  confidence: medium
  date: 2026-10-14
  sources: [S1]
  license: CC BY 4.0
- id: F3
  claim: Divide large amounts into shallow containers so food cools quickly to 40°F or below; hot food may go straight into the fridge.
  confidence: medium
  date: 2026-10-14
  sources: [S1]
  license: CC BY 4.0
- id: F4
  claim: Leftovers keep 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator or 3 to 4 months in the freezer; frozen food stays safe longer but loses quality.
  confidence: medium
  date: 2026-10-14
  sources: [S1]
  license: CC BY 4.0
- id: F5
  claim: Thaw leftovers in the refrigerator, in cold water, or in the microwave; frozen leftovers can also be reheated without thawing.
  confidence: medium
  date: 2026-10-14
  sources: [S1]
  license: CC BY 4.0
- id: F6
  claim: Reheat leftovers to 165°F, and bring sauces, soups, and gravies to a rolling boil.
  confidence: medium
  date: 2026-10-14
  sources: [S1]
  license: CC BY 4.0

## Pointers
- answers: Full official guidance beyond this summary
  where: https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-basics/leftovers-and-food-safety
  access: open, no account