How should leftover food be stored?

Storing leftover food in airtight containers labeled with the date is crucial for maintaining food safety and quality. By using airtight containers, you prevent the growth of bacteria and the absorption of odors from other foods in the refrigerator. Labeling with the date helps ensure that leftovers are consumed within a safe time frame, reducing the risk of foodborne illness. This practice promotes awareness of food freshness and encourages more systematic meal consumption, which helps in minimizing food waste.

While options like open containers or unlabelled storage may seem convenient, they can expose food to contaminants and make it difficult to keep track of how long items have been stored. Similarly, leaving food in original packaging can be problematic if that packaging is not designed for long-term storage or if it has been opened, potentially allowing for contamination or degradation of the food quality.