Food safety
Reheat leftovers thoroughly and no more than once
Take only the needed portion, reheat the centre to at least 75°C, and do not reheat refrigerated leftovers more than once.
Why it matters
Repeated warming and cooling increases contamination and bacterial growth opportunities.
Wrong action
Unsafe: Reheating the whole pot repeatedly and returning uneaten portions to the fridge.
Correct action
Take only the needed portion, reheat the centre to at least 75°C, and do not reheat refrigerated leftovers more than once.
What to do
- Wash hands and prepare clean utensils first.
- Take only the needed portion, reheat the centre to at least 75°C, and do not reheat refrigerated leftovers more than once.
- Mark reheated portions, bring soups to a boil, and do not store reheated leftovers again. Afterward, record the time, temperature, or storage condition.
If something happens
Seek urgent medical help for severe vomiting, persistent diarrhoea, marked drowsiness, or breathing difficulty; call 999 for breathing difficulty or unconsciousness.
Sources and review
- Centre for Food Safety — Handling Leftovers
Source checked: 2026-08-20
This page provides general home-safety information and does not replace medical, legal, electrical, or other professional advice.
Related safety lessons
Critical safety ruleFood safety
Refrigerate perishables within two hours
Note the time and refrigerate cooked or purchased perishable food within two hours.
View safety lesson →
Critical safety ruleFood safety
Keep the fridge at 4°C or below and freezer at −18°C or below
Use a thermometer to confirm the fridge is at or below 4°C and freezer at or below −18°C.
View safety lesson →