While saving leftovers and eating them later is an effective way to reduce waste and save money, it's not always the healthiest option.
Some foods are naturally perishable and can pose a risk to your health if stored too long or reheated improperly. In fact, reheating certain foods does not restore their safety—it may increase the risk of food poisoning.
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Foods You Should Avoid Reheating:
1. Rice
Rice is considered a risky leftover. The longer it sits at room temperature, the more likely it is to develop Bacillus cereus bacteria. Reheating won’t kill these bacteria. As a rule, don’t leave rice out for more than one hour. If you decide to reheat it, make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) or higher.
2. Potatoes
Reheating potatoes can be dangerous if they weren't stored properly. Cooked potatoes left at room temperature may allow the growth of Clostridium botulinum bacteria. These toxins cannot be destroyed by reheating, so it's best to eat them immediately after cooking.
3. Eggs
Bacteria can grow quickly in cooked eggs and egg-based dishes. Don’t leave eggs in the fridge for more than two hours (or one hour in warm conditions). Look out for signs of spoilage like a bad smell or an unusual color (pink or iridescent whites).
4. Dairy-based sauces or stews
Sauces like Alfredo, béchamel, or cheese sauces don’t store or reheat well. Dairy reacts poorly to temperature changes, and these low-acidity foods can easily become breeding grounds for bacteria if left at room temperature.
5. Mushrooms
Old mushrooms aren’t just unappetizing—they can also cause food poisoning. According to the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources, improper storage can promote bacterial growth. The safest way to store mushrooms is in a paper bag in the fridge, and they should be eaten within five days.
6. Sushi
Raw fish should be discarded after being in the fridge for more than two hours. Although sushi-grade fish is frozen to kill parasites, bacteria can still multiply if left at room temperature. If stored properly, sushi can be refrigerated for up to two days, but it's not recommended for parties or buffets if you don't know how long it has been out.
7. Juices
Fresh juices should be consumed immediately. They can ferment if stored too long, causing digestive issues like gas or diarrhea. Juices containing dairy spoil quickly when left out, and fresh fruits and vegetables lose essential nutrients like vitamin C due to oxidation.
8. Seafood
While you can safely reheat seafood, it must be done with great care. Store fish in the fridge immediately and consume within 24 hours. Bacteria can easily grow on fish left out for too long and won’t be killed by reheating.
9. Spinach
Spinach contains high levels of nitrates, which can break down into compounds linked to an increased risk of cancer when reheated. If you must reheat spinach, avoid boiling it. Stir-fry it if it’s more than a day old, and use low heat when reheating.
10. Chicken
Chicken is known to contain bacteria such as Salmonella and Listeria, especially if not fully cooked, according to the U.S. FDA. If you plan to reheat leftover chicken, ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) as measured by a food thermometer to eliminate all harmful bacteria.
