However, storing these foods in the refrigerator may raise questions about their safety and edibility. Primrose Frithon from the University of Leicester warns that some leftover foods stored in the fridge can pose a real health risk, as they can cause food poisoning if not stored properly. According to the Daily Mail, the microbiologist explained that food poisoning is not caused only by undercooked food or unsafe preparation habits, but also by improperly stored leftovers. Dr. Frithon stated in an article for The Conversation: "Food poisoning occurs from eating food contaminated with pathogenic bacteria, fungi, or viruses. Therefore, it is extremely important to be cautious when storing leftovers to avoid harming your health." She revealed "high-risk" leftovers that are not recommended to be stored in the refrigerator, including: cold pizza. Dr. Frithon warned that leftover cold pizza, despite being delicious, can be a source of poisoning due to the dried herbs and spices sprinkled on it, which can become microbially contaminated during production or storage. Even if these microbes die during cooking, leaving the pizza out of the fridge for more than two hours can reactivate them. Frithon emphasized the need to put the pizza in the fridge within two hours of purchasing or cooking it and not to leave it out for longer. She advises to cool and cover any remaining leftovers immediately after the meal and not leave them out of the fridge for more than two hours. It can be stored in the fridge for up to three days, making sure there is no blood in it, as that is a sign of incomplete ripeness and possible bacterial contamination. Rice dishes. Dr. Frithon confirmed that leftover rice dishes, such as fried rice, risotto, and burritos, are among the most dangerous to store because uncooked rice contains heat-resistant bacteria, including Bacillus cereus. After placing it in the fridge, it can be safely consumed for only two days. So after the second day, it's best to discard it, even if it looks fine. Although safer than raw, cooked chicken spoils quickly once it cools due to its high water and nutrient content. These bacteria do not die from cooking; instead, they grow and secrete dangerous toxins if cooked rice is left out of the fridge for more than two hours. Therefore, it must be cooled quickly after cooking and consumed within 24 hours if eaten cold. Canned food leftovers require special care after opening the can. They must be transferred to a suitable container, covered well, and chilled immediately to protect them from airborne bacteria. Their shelf life varies by type: highly acidic foods like tomatoes last from five to seven days, while meat, fish, vegetables, and pasta should not be kept for more than three days. The expert concluded her advice by saying: "Leftovers can be safely eaten cold, provided they are refrigerated immediately after cooking and consumed within a day or two at most". Leftovers are an inevitable part of our daily lives, whether after lunch or dinner.
