Food safety
Discard leftovers refrigerated for more than three days
Date and refrigerate leftovers properly; discard them after more than three days, and discard sooner if they were mishandled.
Last reviewed: 2026-08-22
Why it matters
Refrigeration slows germs but does not keep leftovers safe indefinitely.
Wrong action
Unsafe: Smelling week-old leftovers and assuming they are safe.
Correct action
Date and refrigerate leftovers properly; discard them after more than three days, and discard sooner if they were mishandled.
What to do
- Check the area, equipment, and household arrangement before starting.
- Date and refrigerate leftovers properly; discard them after more than three days, and discard sooner if they were mishandled.
- Stop and tell the employer if the situation is unsafe or unclear.
If something happens
For serious injury, unconsciousness, breathing difficulty, or immediate danger, call 999 and keep yourself safe first.
Sources and review
- Centre for Food Safety — Handling Leftovers
Last reviewed: 2026-08-22
This page provides general home-safety information and does not replace medical, legal, electrical, or other professional advice.
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