Lisa
It’s a few days out from Thanksgiving, and you have ONE job today. It’s not shopping for Cyber Monday deals. It’s cleaning out your fridge and throwing out all the Turkey Day leftovers.
We understand how delicious all the turkey, sides and desserts were four days ago. And for some (including me), leftovers are the best part of the Thanksgiving Day feast. Don’t get me started on my favorite post-Thanksgiving breakfast of fried stuffing and a poached egg. Yum!!
But after four days, that previously delicious food is harbouring all sorts of bacteria that can make you sick. Because holiday meals often involve large quantities and longer cooling times, bacteria have more opportunity to multiply (sometimes to dangerous levels) before you even notice anything “off.”
Some pathogens (like certain strains of Salmonella or C. perfringens) don’t change the smell, taste, or appearance of food. So leftovers can be “silent killers.”
You're safe if you put leftovers in your freezer to enjoy at a later date.
- Label each one clearly and freeze them flat so they stack easily.
- Freeze turkey, soups, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and casseroles.
- Avoid freezing lettuce, cream-based dishes, or custard pies.
- Always use airtight containers or freezer bags.
Better Safe Than Sorry
There is a reason that people repeat these old adages (“When in doubt, throw it out”), because they're true.
- According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 48 million Americans get sick each year from foodborne illness, roughly 1 in 6 people.
- That results in about 128,000 hospitalizations and around 3,000 deaths annually.
- Holiday meals, because they're large feasts with multiple dishes, cross-contamination, long preparation times, buffet-style serving, and large quantities, are recognized as higher risk for foodborne illness than typical meals.
The bottom line is that Thanksgiving leftovers are only safe for a short window, and once those four days pass, it is best to let them go. Clearing out the fridge now protects you and your family from foodborne illness and gives you a fresh start for the week ahead. Enjoy the memories, not the risk, and keep your kitchen safe by tossing anything that has overstayed its welcome.
