Guest Post: Food Safety: Best Ways to Store Party Leftovers

Throwing parties can be a lot of fun, but they do require plenty of work on the part of the host or hostess. There are many things that need to be considered with regards to the food, knowing what to serve and how to serve it. This is crucial because food safety should play a key role. When entertaining, do think of how long certain foods will be sitting on a buffet table, and how long they will keep before spoiling. Then, once all is said and done, you will have to put leftovers away.

However, you will have to determine which foods are still good enough to store, and that means having a greater knowledge on food safety and its storage. Below, find tips on storing leftovers without any fear of food poisoning, as different products go beyond our daily bread.

1. Leftovers should not be kept longer than four days in the refrigerator, to begin with. Lengthier storage increases the risk of food poisoning because of bacteria that will grow. If foods have been in the fridge over four days, dispose of them. If you believe they will not be consumed within that time-frame, simply freeze them as soon as possible.

2. Storing foods after a party can only be done safely if they have not been sitting out at room temperature for over two hours. This is especially true of meat, poultry, eggs, fish, and dairy products. In warmer temperatures, these foods will not keep for more than one hour. Bacteria multiply quickly in average room temperature settings, so set out foods at the appropriate time and refrigerate them promptly after guests have eaten. This is true of sandwiches and cold salads, too.

3. Do not return any dips made with sour cream, or other dairy products in their original containers after they were placed on serving bowls, plates or pitchers. Instead, use plastic wrap and seal them tightly. 

3. Leftover fruits, vegetables, and salads will not keep as long in the fridge. In fact, they may become moldy or wilted soon after.

4. All foods that are left over are best placed in airtight glass containers, which minimize the risk of bacteria from growing.

5. For stuffed turkey, remove the stuffing and chill both separately.

6. Canned sauces should be completely removed from the cans before refrigerating, or they will spoil quicker as well as leave a metallic taste.

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