Tag: Storing leftovers

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, perishable foods left in the "danger zone" (40°F to 140°F) for more than two hours should be discarded. This critical food safety guideline is key to understanding why the answer to, 'is it okay to eat overnight pasta?' is a definitive no, despite what many might think. This bacterial threat can multiply rapidly, even in starchy foods like pasta.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated 48 million people get sick from a foodborne illness each year. Whether or not eating leftovers unhealthy largely depends on how they are handled, stored, and reheated. Understanding proper food safety is the key to enjoying your food while avoiding the risks of food poisoning.