Ontario Food Handler Certification Practice Exam

How long can leftovers be safely stored in the refrigerator?

1. 1-2 days

2. 3-4 days

3. 5-7 days

4. Indefinitely

The correct answer is: 3-4 days

Leftovers can be safely stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. This guideline is based on food safety principles that aim to minimize the risk of foodborne illnesses. After cooking, as food sits in the refrigerator, it becomes a suitable environment for bacteria to grow, albeit at a slower rate compared to room temperature. It is important to refrigerate leftovers promptly, within two hours of cooking, to reduce the time they spend in the temperature danger zone, which is between 4°C and 60°C (40°F and 140°F). Keeping meals in the refrigerator for more than four days significantly increases the risk of spoilage and bacterial growth, which can make food unsafe to consume. Storing food indefinitely is not safe, as the quality may deteriorate and harmful bacteria can still develop, even if the food appears visually fine. Similarly, while some foods might remain safe for a couple of days, storing leftovers for only 1-2 days is not optimal for many dishes, and extending to 5-7 days is not advised due to health concerns associated with prolonged storage of perishable items.