Thanksgiving is here!
While some people get excited to have dinner with loved ones or watch the Lions play, others look forward to the leftovers.
But how long will the turkey, pumpkin pies and other Thanksgiving sides last?
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, leftovers can be kept in the fridge for three to four days.
This means that people have until the Monday after Thanksgiving to eat their leftovers or put them in the freezer.
Leftovers should be packed and stored in the fridge within two hours of cooking.
Many people think that leftovers can cool to room temperature before they get put away, but this can make the food unsafe, according to the USDA. Even if there is still steam coming off the food, it should be put away as soon as possible.
Health officials also say if the leftovers are put in the freezer, they will be at their best quality if eaten within two to six months.
The USDA also has its FoodKeeper app, which sends reminders about if food is still fresh to a phone or tablet. The app also has storage guidelines and other food safety tips, along with information about food recalls.
For more tips on safely handling your Thanksgiving leftovers, visit the USDA’s website.
