It is a busy world these days and we are ordering more takeout, delivery or eating out. The food is great but there is always a chance for leftovers. In fact, we count on them to give us an extra meal or two.
Do we worry about keeping them safe? Isn’t that the job of the restaurant/food service? Yes, but not when it comes to leftovers. Just like food at home the TWO HOUR RULE applies.
Here are some tips to help you do it right.
- At a restaurant, bring a lunch bag and cool packs and store your leftovers as soon as possible.
- After eating out, take out or delivery, always refrigerate when you are finished with it (BUT WITHIN THE TWO HOURS)
- The biggest tip to follow is WHEN IN DOUBT – THROW IT OUT!
You may have done this many times before and left it out for longer, but it only takes one time to make you sick. Often a person does not realize that it was the food they ate two or three days before.
This risk is dangerous especially when you are serving to those who are young, sick, vulnerable or older. Not worth it!
Please remember – store within two hours, but WHEN in DOUBT, throw it OUT.
By: Elizabeth Ailles, RD from Central Community Health Centre
