Health Tip: Pack Your Holiday Leftovers Carefully

And avoid foodborne illness

(HealthDay News) -- When packing up your holiday leftovers, make sure they're properly stored to prevent foodborne illness.

The American Dietetic Association offers these suggestions for safe storage of your holiday leftovers:

  • Make sure all storage containers are airtight and shallow.
  • Place all leftovers in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking.
  • Pull turkey off the bone and package it separately from stuffing and gravy.
  • Eat refrigerated turkey, casseroles or cooked vegetables within three or four days; eat stuffing or gravy within one or two days.
  • Eat pies made with cream or fruit within two or three days; cheesecake within seven days.
  • Make sure leftovers are reheated to 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • If in doubt, throw it out.
Diana Kohnle

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