Practicing Portion Control? Make Sure Leftovers Stay Safe to Eat

Controlling the size of your portions is a great way to cut back on calories and lose weight, according to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Just make sure you properly store and reheat leftovers to avoid food poisoning.

“Oftentimes our eyes are bigger than our stomachs,” said Melissa Joy Dobbins, a registered dietitian and spokeswoman for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics in a news release. “Instead of overeating at home or a restaurant, save part of your meal to eat later…Unfortunately, you can’t rely on sight and scent alone to tell if food is spoiled or contaminated with foodborne pathogens.”

In a 2011 survey conducted by the Academy – the world’s largest organization of food and nutrition professionals – more than 75 percent of Americans said they do not use a thermometer to check if their food is cooked to a safe temperature. Fewer than 30 percent said they regularly check the temperature in their fridge.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recommends the following safety guidelines when it comes to leftovers:

• Refrigerate leftovers within two hours of being served. In weather above 90 degrees Fahrenheit, refrigerate food after one hour. Refrigerators, including ones in the workplace, should be kept at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or colder.
• Seal leftovers in a clean, airtight container that’s labeled with the expiration date.
• Reheat leftovers to 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a food thermometer to make sure your food reaches a safe internal temperature throughout.
• Discard leftovers that have expired.

Source: Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics news release

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