Maple Glazed Turkey Dinner

After Thanksgiving meals have been completed, there are some safety precautions to be followed regarding leftovers.

According to the USDA, food should be stored in shallow containers until Monday or should be frozen if keeping it for longer. Those reheating in the microwave should cover and rotate the food for even heating. Arrange food items evenly in a covered microwave safe glass or ceramic dish and add some liquid, if needed. Since microwaves have cold spots, check the internal temperature of the food in several places with a food thermometer after allowing a resting time. Reheat sauces, soups and gravies safely by bringing them to a rolling boil. Judi Van Hulzen with Marion County Public Health also says there are other important precautions to follow as well. 

“Two hours, you should be putting them away at that two hour mark. You want to reheat them to 165 degrees using that food thermometer. You can reheat it in the microwave, oven, or stove, it doesn’t matter as long as it gets back to that 165 degrees.”

Food that has been left at room temperature for two hours enters the “danger zone,” where bacteria can multiply and food becomes unsafe.