To keep holiday meals memorable, make sure you don’t forget the after part of the meal — the leftovers.

It’s that time of year again wher families and friends get together — either in person or virtually. This may be the first time you’re taking on the labor-intensive task of making a holiday meal. Planning is needed before, during and after, to ensure food safety but the steps are easy.

The Gift that Keeps on Giving
Holiday meals can be very large, so you will likely end up with leftovers to store and enjoy for a couple of days. To ensure that every serving remains safe, follow these three guidelines:

• Remember the Two-Hour Rule: All perishable items should be refrigerated within two hours of coming out of the oven or refrigerator. After two hours, perishable food enters the Danger Zone (between 40 to 140 degrees F) wher bacteria can multiply quickly and cause the food to become unsafe. If foods have been left out for more than two hours, discard items to prevent foodborne illness.
• Use Small and Shallow Containers: Store leftover food in small, shallow containers in the refrigerator until the Monday after Thanksgiving Day or in the freezer for later use. Shallow containers help cool leftovers more quickly than storing them in large containers.
• Freeze or Consume Within Four Days: Use the Monday after Thanksgiving as a reminder that it is the last day you can safely eat leftovers. If you want to keep leftovers longer, freeze them within that four-day period to enjoy later. If you store leftovers in the freezer, they will be of best quality within two to six months. Reheat leftovers to an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
• Microwave Food Safely: When reheating in the microwave, 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. Because microwaves have cold spots, check the internal temperature of the food in several places with a food thermometer after allowing a resting time. Cooking continues for a longer time in dense foods such as a whole turkey or beef roast than in less dense foods like breads, small vegetables and fruits.

Experts are Available
Need more information about holiday leftovers or preparing your seasonal meal? Call the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-MPHotline (888-674-6854) to talk to a food safety expert or chat live at ask.usda.gov from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday.