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Health & Nutrition: Food Safety and Quality

How long can leftovers be left out of the refrigerator?

Hot foods should be refrigerated as soon as possible after cooking (within two hours). Don't keep food if it's been standing out for more than two hours. Don't taste-test it, either. Even a small amount of contaminated food can cause illness.

Date leftovers so they can be used within a safe time. Generally, they remain safe when refrigerated for three to five days. If in doubt, throw it out, "It's not worth a food-borne illness for the small amount of food usually involved."

Source: Food and Drug Administration's Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition