AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — After families and friends gather for a holiday feast, many will have leftovers to eat throughout the week. However, with leftovers comes the concern of knowing when to dispose of them to reduce the risk of food poisoning.
According to the CDC, leftovers should be stored within two hours of cooking, and last three to four days max in the fridge.
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“It’s really important that everyone takes food safety and storage seriously,” Justin Varkey, specialist of poison information at the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy Texas Panhandle Poison Center, said. “Separating their foods, cleaning their food properly, storing them correctly. If they have any questions or concerns they are always free to give the Poison Control Center a call.”
A few symptoms of food poisoning are diarrhea, stomach pain or cramps, nausea, vomiting, and fever. According to Varkey, it’s important to monitor the symptoms of food poisoning in order to know when to head to the emergency room.