After Thanksgiving dinner, most are left with a stash of leftovers to enjoy after the holiday. 

Jason Taylor, Washington County Environmental Health Director, recommends putting leftovers away immediately following the big Thanksgiving Day meal, within two hours. After two hours, perishable food can enter what the USDA calls “the danger zone,” the ideal temperature for bacteria to multiply and make food unsafe. If perishable food is left out for longer than two hours, it is safer to throw it away.

Taylor says to put everything that is to be saved for later into shallow, uncovered containers, so that any remaining heat can be released from the package or the container. When it comes time to reheat those leftovers, Taylor says you should ensure that it is cooked to at least 165 degrees. That will make sure that any remaining bacteria is killed, and the food becomes safe to eat again.

Further leftover tips provided by the USDA include eating the leftovers within four days, or the Monday after Thanksgiving. Otherwise, put the leftovers in the freezer to ensure the food stays safe. When putting food in the microwave, cover and rotate the food for even heating. Arrange food items evenly on a plate or in a dish that is microwave safe. Finally, the USDA recommends testing the temperature of anything reheated in a microwave, as it can have cold spots where the food might not heat up evenly.