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Cooking guide

How to Store Leftover Food Safely

Simple food safety rules for cooling, storing and reheating leftovers at home.

  • 4 min read
  • 5 steps
  • Easy
Family preparing food together in a home kitchen

Cooking once and eating twice saves time and money, but leftovers need to be handled carefully. Follow the two-hour rule, use shallow containers and reheat until steaming hot. This guide gives general advice — always follow local food safety guidelines.

Step by step

  1. Step 1: Cool quickly

    Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours of cooking. Divide large amounts into shallow containers so they cool faster.

  2. Step 2: Seal and label

    Use airtight containers and write the date on the lid.

  3. Step 3: Know the limits

    Most cooked leftovers keep for 3–4 days in the fridge (5°C or below). Cooked rice is best eaten within 1 day.

  4. Step 4: Freeze for later

    Freeze portions you won't eat in time. Thaw in the fridge overnight, not on the bench.

  5. Step 5: Reheat thoroughly

    Reheat until steaming hot all the way through, and only reheat once.

    Tip: When in doubt, throw it out.

Put it into practice

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