The dinner was wonderful, the portions were huge, and the server handed you a neat little box at the end of the meal. You tuck it into the car, run a few errands and finally put it in the refrigerator hours later. Or maybe it sits in the fridge for a week because the leftovers were too good to throw out and too boring to eat again. Is it still safe?
Takeout leftovers are one of life’s small joys, and they stretch your food budget, too. But they are only safe for so long. The simple doggy bag rules are to refrigerate within about two hours, eat within three to four days and reheat until steaming hot. When in doubt, throw it out. Here is how to follow those rules in real life.
Refrigerate Within About Two Hours
The clock starts when the food is served, not when you get home. If the meal sat on the table for a long conversation and then rode in the car for a while, you may already be near the limit. Bacteria can grow on food left out at room temperature, and you cannot always see, smell or taste the problem. Ask for your box early, and get the food into the refrigerator as soon as you can after the meal.
If you have errands to run after dinner, plan ahead. Take the leftovers home first, or skip the stop. A few minutes of planning can protect your health and your food.
Eat Within Three to Four Days
Refrigerated leftovers do not last forever. The general guidance is to eat them within three to four days. After that, the risk of getting sick goes up, even if the food looks and smells fine. A good habit is to write the date on the container with a marker or a piece of tape, so you are not guessing later. If you know you will not eat the food in time, freeze it right away instead of waiting.
Reheat Until Steaming Hot
When you are ready to eat, heat your food until it is steaming hot all the way through. Do not stop when the edges are warm and the middle is cold. Stir the food partway through heating, especially in the microwave, so the heat spreads evenly. Use a food thermometer if you have one. Reheating thoroughly helps make leftovers safer to eat.
When in Doubt, Throw It Out
This rule is worth remembering. If you cannot remember how long a container has been in the refrigerator, if it was left out too long or if it smells or looks strange, do not take the chance. The cost of a meal is small compared with the misery of a bout of food poisoning. It can feel wasteful to toss food, but it is far better than getting sick.
Tips for Better Doggy Bag Habits
A few simple steps can make your leftovers last and taste better. Ask the server to pack foods separately when possible, so sauces do not make everything soggy. Choose shallow containers so the food cools faster in the refrigerator. Keep your leftovers in the main part of the refrigerator rather than the door, where the temperature can change more. Put the box where you can see it, so it does not get lost behind other food and forgotten.
Make Leftovers Part of Your Plan
Leftovers can save you money, but only if you eat them. Think about what you will do with the food before you leave the restaurant. Maybe it is tomorrow’s lunch. Maybe it is a topping for a salad, or the start of a new dinner. If you often order more than you can finish, consider sharing a dish or ordering a smaller size. That way you pay only for what you will really enjoy.
Be Extra Careful With Some Foods
Some foods need extra attention, such as rice, seafood, chicken and creamy dishes. They can spoil more quickly if left out or kept too long, so do not let them sit. If you are feeding young children, older adults or anyone with a health condition, be extra careful. People in these groups can get sicker from food that has gone bad, so it is wise to follow the guidelines closely and to toss anything you are unsure about.
Delivery and Drive-Thru Count, Too
The same rules apply when the food comes to your door or through a drive-thru window. If your order sat for a while before it reached you, that time counts toward the two hours. Eat what you want right away, and put the rest in the refrigerator without delay. Do not leave the bag on the counter while you finish a movie or a phone call. It is an easy habit to build, and it makes every takeout night a little safer.
The Bottom Line
A doggy bag is a smart way to enjoy a meal twice, as long as you handle it with care. Get it into the refrigerator within about two hours, eat it within three to four days and heat it until steaming hot. If you are not sure, throw it out. Follow these simple rules, and you can enjoy your leftovers with confidence, and your wallet and your stomach will thank you.
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