Heated or cooked leftover food may be refrigerated for a maximum of how many hours?

Heated or cooked leftover food can be refrigerated for a maximum of forty-eight hours to maintain safety and quality. This guideline is based on food safety practices to prevent the growth of bacteria that can occur when food is stored improperly or kept for extended periods.

Refrigerating leftovers within this time frame helps ensure that they remain safe to eat, reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses, and preserve their nutritional value. This standard is widely accepted in food safety protocols, highlighting the importance of mindful storage practices for maintaining the integrity of prepared foods while still allowing for future consumption.

Other timeframes, such as thirty-six hours, fifty-six hours, or twenty-four hours, do not align with established food safety recommendations, thereby emphasizing the necessity of adhering to the forty-eight-hour guideline for optimal safety and quality of leftover foods.