Experts Warn Texans To Immediately Throw Away These Items In Your Refrigerator

It may not seem like it, but Thanksgiving was a long time ago. Well, at least when you consider how long you can safely store Thanksgiving leftovers that it is. And if your refrigerator still has leftovers in it, experts say you have gone past a critical deadline.

How Long Can You Safely Store Thanksgiving Leftovers?

According to FoodSafety.gov, this past Monday was the final day that properly stored Thanksgiving leftovers were still "officially" safe to eat. According to the experts, food stored properly in your refrigerator can last for four days before developing spoilage bacteria. That bacteria can cause food to develop a bad smell or taste, and it's probably not something you want as a side item. And if you still have these items in your refrigerator as of today, it's way past time to consider them safe. And that means it's time to toss them in the trash.

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If you still have Thanksgiving leftovers inside your refrigerator, don't worry, you aren't the only one. According to FoodSafety.gov, 31% of people in a survey said they would eat leftovers that had been in the refrigerator longer than four days.

Frozen Thanksgiving Leftovers Are Best Kept For 2-6 Months

The good news? If you stored food in your freezer, you are good for about 6 months or so. There are some "best practices" when it comes to reheating and thawing out frozen leftovers from Thanksgiving according to KTLA.com and FoodSafety.gov.

• It’s safe to reheat frozen leftovers in the microwave or saucepan without thawing.
• If you decide to thaw out leftovers before reheating, it’s best to do so in the fridge, microwave, or cold water.
• When reheating leftovers, ensure they reach 165°F, as measured with a food thermometer. It’s also best to cover the food while reheating so it will retain its moisture and ensure the food is heated all the way through.

Another good tip? Download the USDA FoodKeeper App. The app has a lot of great information about storing food, food prep, and more.