Skip to main content

How Long Is It Safe To Eat Leftovers?

Factoid Leftovers

If you're still savoring leftovers from last week's Thanksgiving dinner, you might be putting yourself in danger. "As food ages, the risk for foodborne illnesses increases. Just because food looks and smells OK, doesn't mean it's safe to eat," says Rick Henriksen, MD, a family doctor at University of Utah Health. If you know you have more than you can eat, freeze leftovers for up to six months. It's less wasteful and will be a welcome meal on a busy night.