When to Refrigerate Leftovers: Expert Tips for Food Safety
Discover the right way to store your leftovers safely with insights from food safety expert Darin Detwiler.
Understanding Leftover Storage
After an elaborate meal, the question looms: should you let those leftovers cool on the counter before storing them in the refrigerator? Traditionally, many have thought it wise to allow food to cool to room temperature first. However, recent guidelines in food safety suggest a different approach.
The Importance of Timeliness
Refrigerating perishable foods right away is key. According to the FDA, it’s best to store these items within one to two hours after they are cooked—one hour if it's particularly hot outside (above 90°F). Food safety expert Darin Detwiler emphasizes that the priority shouldn’t be cooling food, but rather moving it out of the
