Holiday meals usually leave leftovers in their wake. Follow these tips so there’s no doubt on when to throw them out.

With holiday preparations and gatherings around the table, the chances of leftovers are always a possibility, along with the temptation to nibble on the turkey and sides until they’re gone. But unsafe food storage is one of the main causes of foodborne illness.

How long can food be left out?
Refrigerate leftover turkey, stuffing, gravy and other cooked side dishes within two hours to prevent bacteria from growing. If food is left out in a hot environment with temperatures above 90 F, refrigerate within one hour.

What is the best method to store leftovers?
Divide leftover turkey and cooked side dishes into shallow containers to decrease cooling time. To maximize freshness, store food in well-sealed containers to help keep bacteria out, retain moisture and prevent leftovers from picking up odors from other food in the refrigerator. And keep your refrigerator at 40 F or below, as bacteria grows rapidly between the temperatures of 40 F and 140 F.

How many days is it good?
Leftovers are safe for three to four days in the refrigerator and three to four months in the freezer. If you have more turkey and dressing than you think you can eat within four days, freeze them immediately. Be sure to note the date before storing your food.

How can you safely reheat leftovers?
When microwaving leftovers, cover them to help retain moisture and allow the food to heat all the way through. Turkey should reach an internal temperature of at least serving.

Check out the Publix food safety FAQ page for more information.