State Food Safety Practice Exam

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How long should leftovers be stored in the refrigerator before being discarded?

1 day
3 days
5 days
7 days

The correct answer is: 5 days

Leftovers should generally be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days for optimal safety and quality. The recommendation of 5 days may exceed the safe storage time as bacteria can multiply, increasing the risk of foodborne illness. Food safety guidelines suggest consuming or discarding leftovers within this timeframe to ensure any potential harmful bacteria are minimized. This is based on the principle that food quality diminishes over time, and storing it longer than recommended can lead to spoilage and safety issues. Therefore, the option indicating 5 days is considered a best practice but leans towards the upper limit of safe storage and might not be appropriate for all types of food.