Protect Your Thanksgiving Leftovers with These Wise Food Safety Strategies

Experts are advising people to take extra precautions to keep their Thanksgiving leftovers fresh and safe to consume as the holiday draws to a close.

Guidelines for food safety state that leftovers should not be kept out for longer than two hours, per Spectrum News. To expedite cooling once in the fridge, experts recommend using shallow containers and dividing larger portions into smaller packages. Ensuring airtight wrapping can further protect against bacterial contamination.

(Photo: John Moore/Getty Images)
Central American immigrants and their families pray before Thanksgiving dinner on November 24, 2016, in Stamford, Connecticut.

Food safety experts stress appropriate storage to avoid foodborne infections as mishandled or overstayed leftovers may cause Salmonella, Escherichia coli, Listeria, and Bacillus cereus infections, which can cause stomach difficulties and more serious consequences.

For those planning to savor the flavors beyond the holiday weekend, Jennifer Trodden, Deputy Commissioner for the New York State Department of Agriculture, advises considering Thanksgiving leftovers as expired by Monday unless frozen. Leftovers stored in the refrigerator have a shelf life of up to four days. For extended preservation, freezing them in airtight containers or freezer bags is recommended.

When reheating leftovers, experts note the importance of reaching a minimum temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit, a guideline that can be easily monitored using a kitchen thermometer.

Safekeeping Leftover Desserts

While savory dishes may follow clear guidelines, desserts like pies introduce additional considerations. Health cites Ellen Shumaker, Ph.D., director of outreach for the Safe Plates program at North Carolina State University, advising that apple pie, due to its high sugar content and apple acidity, can be safely stored at room temperature. However, if sugar substitutes are used, refrigeration is advised for quality reasons.

The storage of pumpkin pie varies depending on its origin. Store-bought pies with preservatives hindering bacterial growth can generally be kept at room temperature unless the packaging suggests otherwise. Homemade pumpkin pie, on the other hand, should be refrigerated.

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For baked goods like bread and cookies, Shumaker recommends covering them to prevent contamination if stored at room temperature. If these baked items include cream, custard, cheese, or meat, refrigeration is necessary.

Other Thanksgiving Meal Health Reminders

Additionally, as the Thanksgiving feast concludes, health-conscious individuals may wonder about the impact on heart health. Dr. Sean P. Heffron from NYU Langone Health reassures that a single indulgent meal is unlikely to cause lasting damage for the majority.

However, exceptions exist for individuals with specific health conditions, such as congestive heart failure or hypertriglyceridemia, for whom overeating on Thanksgiving could be detrimental.

For individuals striving for healthy weight loss, facing the Thanksgiving feast can be a source of anxiety. Evelyn Tribole, a registered dietitian accustomed to working with clients pursuing various health objectives, emphasizes a positive approach. Tribole advises everyone to savor the Thanksgiving meal.

“Focus on the pleasure of the food and the connection with your family and friends. One meal is not going to make or break your health goals unless you have a life-threatening condition,” she remarked, as quoted by The Huffington Post.

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