Don't Be Stupid (and Get Sick) By Being Frugal

Did you know that turkey leftovers are good for four days only? That means that if you have anything still in the refrigerator from Thanksgiving, it should hit the trash today. Or the compost pile, as long as there’s no meat, bones or dairy. (If you managed to get your leftovers into the freezer, you should consume them in the next two to six months.)

Wonder what other kinds of leftovers or food staples you might need to throw out to avoid food poisoning? I did a story a few years ago on how to figure out when to toss your cookies (or canned goods) so you don’t end up tossing your cookies. Here are some highlights from that story, which are apropos given today’s expiration date on Thanksgiving leftovers.

• Dairy products: go by the expiration date–or your senses. If your milk or yogurt doesn’t look or smell right, get rid of it.
• Lunch meat: three to five days. Or as soon as it seems slimy or just plain “off.”
• Fresh fruits and vegetables: you’ll know it when you see it, such as when mold is growing or a previously solid piece of produce has turned to liquid!
• Take-out food or leftovers: toss after four days. This includes the aforementioned Thanksgiving turkey and trimmings, as well as takeout food like pizza or Chinese.
• Eggs: three to five weeks or if they smell rotten.
• Opened jar of sauce or salsa: use within a week or before bacteria can begin to grow.
• Canned goods: follow “use by” date or toss immediately if you see that the can has expanded in any spot (this could signal botulism inside). Dents inwards are harmless dings; “dents” outwards are a sign of a canned good past its prime.

Whenever possible recycle the container your expired food came in. This includes taking cardboard egg cartons, ripping them into small pieces and putting them in your compost bin, or rinsing out jars, bottles and cans so they can go into the recycling bin.

Remember: there’s no reason to be stupid–and risk getting food poisoning–by being frugal and trying to get another day’s meal out of food that you really shouldn’t be eating at this point.