A leftover gratin on Monday, the same pasta on Tuesday, then a final portion on Wednesday… To avoid waste, it is tempting to keep a dish in the refrigerator for several days. But this habit is not without risk. The storage time, the temperature of the fridge and the way the food was handled count for a lot.
Claire Trommenschlager, dietician-nutritionist, reminds us of the essential rules to follow when you want to keep – and consume – leftovers.
How many days can you keep leftovers in the fridge?
First good reflex: look at how long the dish has been in the refrigerator. For leftovers, the shelf life is measured in days.
“Anses indicates that the maximum shelf life of prepared meals is three days. And if there is no total consensus on this point, overall, we are within two to three days maximum”underlines the nutritionist.
Then, also keep in mind that a dish that appears healthy is not necessarily healthy: it can still make you very sick, even if it looks and smells “normal”.
Fridge, containers, temperature: other good reflexes to respect
Have you just finished your meal and there is a portion left in the dish? This is also when good reflexes count. Any leftovers should be stored properly, in a sufficiently cold refrigerator and in a suitable container.
“You should remember to adjust the temperature of your refrigerator carefully and store leftovers in airtight containers so that they are not in contact with bacteria, which can accelerate food spoilage”recalls Claire Trommenschlager.
Another benchmark not to forget: the time spent at room temperature. A dish should not remain on the table for hours before being stored in a cool place.
“The website agriculture.gouv.fr recommends consuming leftovers as quickly as possible and within 48 hours at most. Of course, they must be kept cool: you never leave a dish for more than two hours at room temperature”confirms the expert.
A rule that also concerns foods that seem less fragile, such as rice, starchy foods, etc.“in particular because of a certain bacteria, Bacillus cereus, which can develop in rice at room temperature“, warns the specialist.
What if you want to keep leftovers longer?
If you already know you won’t eat this dish quickly, freezing can help it last longer. But again, the moment when it intervenes is important.
“If you want to keep a dish for more than two days, you must freeze it immediately after preparation. You should not leave it in the refrigerator for two days, then freeze it, then defrost it again. You also do not refreeze a product that has been thawed.”explains Claire Trommenschlager.
Of course, being a stickler for hygiene is also essential, because cutting boards, the work surface and hands can be in contact with different foods… and bacteria.
“You must therefore make sure to wash your work surface and cutting boards. Between cutting different foods, for example between cutting vegetables and meat, remember to clean your board well. Don’t forget to wash your hands properly!”concludes the nutritionist.
And when a dish must be kept for longer, it is better to think about freezing it quickly rather than postponing its consumption even further. Also remember to note directly on the container the date on which the dish was prepared. Your stomach will thank you!