We all have them. Those leftover foods in the fridge are just too tempting to throw out. Have you ever eaten something that didn’t taste good the first time but returned for seconds? Maybe it tasted better with some salt or pepper? Well, if you are not careful, those second helpings might make you sick. Food poisoning is common in America- 10 million people will get ill from leftover foods each year! The best way to avoid this problem is to be aware of some leftover foods that could make you sick.
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Soup
Did you know that soup is actually a top cause of food poisoning? This may come as a surprise, but many people don’t realize it’s true. Soup contains high levels of protein which attract harmful bacteria very quickly. Make sure to never drink soup straight from the container because you’ll probably swallow harmful bacteria too! It would be best if you poured your soup into a bowl first before eating it. Also, make sure to let the soup cool before you eat it.
Eggs
Eggs are one of the most common causes of food poisoning. The CDC (Center for Disease Control) reports 50,000 cases each year, resulting in 500 hospitalizations and 30 deaths due to improper preparation or storage. You should never eat soft-boiled eggs that have been sitting out for more than two hours because they contain salmonella, which can make you very sick. Salmonella cannot be seen or smelled; it’s important to cook eggs thoroughly to kill any bacteria that might be present.
Macaroni & Cheese
Mac n’ cheese may make you feel happier when eating it as a kid because who doesn’t love carbs? Unfortunately, kids are at risk from food poisoning more than adults due to their immature immune systems. You should never feed kids leftovers from a meal that has been sitting out for more than two hours, especially mac n’ cheese! This dish is full of raw eggs and milk, which can spoil quickly if not appropriately refrigerated after heating it in the microwave or oven.
Beverages
Did you know that beverages are one of the most common causes of food poisoning? Beverages like fruit juices, sodas, and energy drinks can be contaminated with bacteria when exposed to oxygen because they come in containers with porous tops. These tops let air inside over time, causing contamination, so don’t forget to re-seal them tightly! Drink your juice mixtures within 48 hours of mixing–and only drink them if they are at room temperature or slightly warm.
Pizza
Pizza is delicious, and everyone loves it! Unfortunately, some people don’t realize that the leftover slices in their refrigerator can make them sick because of how long they sit around before consumption. You should never eat food past two hours again after cooking it.
Tuna Casserole
Tuna casseroles may be tasty, but they’re also one of the most dangerous foods you can eat. This dish is so bad for your health because it contains raw eggs and mayonnaise. If these ingredients are not heated up enough, illness-causing bacteria like salmonella will form! It would be best if you always reheated tuna casseroles to steaming before eating again–you’ll know that it’s done when steam rises from inside.
Salads
Salads are a good source of nutrients, but, unfortunately, they can contain bacteria that will make you very sick. You should never eat salads that have been sitting out at room temperature for more than two hours because the large amounts of leafy greens in them provide an ideal environment for E-coli to grow. To avoid getting sick from salmonella or E-coli, always wash your lettuce with water before eating it and keep salad dressing on the side, so nobody double-dips into what’s inside the container.
Fish & Seafood
Did you know raw fish contains high levels of bacteria? This is because raw fish comes straight from the sea, which might be contaminated with harmful toxins. Seafood should always remain refrigerated unless consumed within one to two days after purchase. Also, remember that you must also keep all cooked seafood under 40 degrees Fahrenheit at most! If you see any strange smells, then throw your food away immediately–you don’t want to risk getting sick for no reason.
Rice
Rice is a delicious Asian side dish, but it’s also one of the most dangerous foods out there because it can quickly grow bacteria if left at room temperature for too long. You should never leave cooked rice in your fridge any longer than two days after cooking it–and you definitely don’t want to risk eating cold rice that has been sitting around either!
Chicken
Chicken is a delicious source of protein, but it can also be one of the deadliest foods you’ll ever eat if not appropriately cooked. This includes being kept at room temperature for more than two hours after cooking. If your chicken starts to smell off or sprout any odd colors, then throw it away immediately because that means they’re growing bacteria and getting ready to make someone sick! Make sure all leftovers are thrown out immediately as well–you don’t want to risk eating something bad by accident.
Fruit & Vegetables
You should consume all vegetables and fresh fruit within 48 hours of purchase or cooking. This is just a general rule for all types of products because they’re susceptible to bacteria from being moist, and you don’t want to get sick from eating rotten food!
Conclusion
It’s important to always take good care of your food by making sure you throw leftovers out immediately, and you never eat anything that looks, smells, or tastes bad. Never leave cooked foods at room temperature for too long because this will give deadly bacteria like salmonella the chance to grow, and nobody wants to get sick! Also, keep in mind that eating food that is over 40 degrees Fahrenheit will increase your chances of getting sick by 800%, so keep all leftovers under this temperature at most.
