7 Foods to Avoid Eating as Leftovers

Leftovers play a significant role in our culture, from the classic post-Thanksgiving turkey sandwich to repurposing takeout meals. However, there is a downside to consuming leftovers, as improper handling can lead to food poisoning. Certain foods pose a higher risk than others when it comes to leftovers. Here is what you should be aware of:

Overview

Not All Leftovers Are Safe: Certain foods like rice, potatoes, and leafy greens can develop harmful bacteria or toxic compounds if stored or reheated incorrectly.
Proper Storage is Critical: Refrigerate leftovers within two hours, use shallow containers for even cooling, and label with dates to monitor freshness.
Reheating Right: Always ensure food reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when reheating and avoid reheating the same food multiple times to reduce bacterial growth.

The Hidden Dangers Lurking in Your Leftovers

Leftovers are a time-saving solution in our fast-paced world, especially for busy schedules. While getting sick from leftovers is rare with proper food safety practices, mishandling leftovers can significantly increase the risk of foodborne illnesses such as food poisoning.

The Centers For Disease Control (CDC) reports that millions of people in the U.S. suffer from foodborne illnesses annually due to factors such as improper storage and reheating. For instance, failure to refrigerate or freeze leftovers promptly can heighten the risk, as bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli thrive at room temperature. Inadequate reheating can also contribute to foodborne illnesses, especially with dense foods like casseroles.

The Worst Offenders

While reheating leftovers is common, certain foods can become unsafe or unappetizing due to changes in their composition or bacterial growth. Here are seven foods that you should avoid reheating as leftovers and why:

#1 Eggs: Reheating eggs can lead to the release of toxic compounds and alter their taste. There's also a risk of Salmonella if eggs are not reheated properly.
#2 Beets: Beets can convert nitrates into compounds linked to increased cancer risk when reheated multiple times.
#3 Potatoes: Cooked potatoes left at room temperature can harbor bacteria that cause botulism, a severe illness affecting the nervous system.
#4 Spinach and Leafy Greens: Reheating leafy greens can lead to the formation of compounds that may be carcinogenic.
#5 Rice: Cooked rice can contain bacteria that produce toxins when left at room temperature.
#6 Chicken: Reheating chicken improperly can lead to digestive issues and bacterial contamination.
#7 Seafood: Seafood can spoil quickly and may cause poisoning if not reheated correctly.

How To Protect Yourself

Cool Quickly: Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours of cooking and use shallow containers for even cooling.
Store Properly: Maintain the fridge temperature below 40°F (4°C) and consume leftovers within 3-4 days.
Reheat Thoroughly: Heat leftovers to 165°F (74°C) evenly.
Don’t Reheat Multiple Times: Only reheat what you plan to eat to minimize bacterial growth.
When in Doubt, Throw It Out: Discard leftovers that appear off or have been stored for too long.

Summary

Leftovers offer convenience but mishandling them can lead to foodborne illnesses. Proper storage and reheating practices are vital to prevent bacteria like Salmonella, E. coli, and Bacillus cereus from contaminating your food. Foods like eggs, rice, and potatoes are particularly risky when not handled correctly. Understanding the correct methods for storing and reheating leftovers is crucial for ensuring your meals remain safe and delicious.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to eat leftovers every day? Yes, if stored, refrigerated within two hours, and reheated correctly.
How long can I keep leftovers in the fridge? Most leftovers should be consumed within 3-4 days to reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses.
What’s the safest way to reheat leftovers? Reheat leftovers to 165°F (74°C) thoroughly.
Why is reheating rice dangerous? Cooked rice can contain bacteria that produce heat-resistant toxins if left at room temperature.
Can I reheat leftovers multiple times? It's best to reheat leftovers only once to minimize bacterial growth.

Written by: Susan Parker

Susan Parker is a 49-year-old Senior Manager at a marketing firm. With two older children becoming more independent, she is now focusing on her own health and wellbeing. She’s passionate about natural and holistic health approaches, and values high-quality, trustworthy products. Susan enjoys yoga, gardening, reading, and cooking, and seeks to stay energetic and sharp while balancing a busy career and personal life.