1. 2001Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service1 Food Safety for Seniors: Storing Leftovers ___________ County Cooperative Extension Service

2. 2001Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service2 Why worry about leftovers? Bacteria grows quickly at warm temperatures (40 o F to 140 o F) –Some increase in number –Some produce a toxin May cause illness if the food is eaten

3. 2001Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service3 The Danger Zone 40 o F to 140 o F Less than two hours –Cumulative –Thawing at room temperature goes way beyond the safe time

4. 2001Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service4 Get the refrigerator ready Clean it out! Get rid of leftover meats or vegetables over 3 days old Throw out any food you know was out longer than 2 hours

5. 2001Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service5 Any on-site refrigeration? If staying at the site, ask to store leftovers in the refrigerator

6. 2001Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service6 No refrigerator available? Go home right after eating OR Don’t take the food home

7. 2001Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service7 How to store leftovers Use tight sealing container made for home food storage –Glass –Transparent plastic Date the container 4/4 June 10 Sept 4 6/23

8. 2001Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service8 Is it still safe? Don’t taste to decide Use within 3 days or throw it out

9. 2001Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service9 Summary Clean out your refrigerator Keep refrigerated if not going straight home Go straight home with the food

10. 2001Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service10 Summary Store in tight sealing, transparent containers Date the containers Use leftovers within 3 days or throw them away

11. 2001Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service11 Stay healthy by storing leftover food safely.