The Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion (CNPP) is responsible for developing and promoting dietary guidance that links the best evidence-based scientific research to the nutrition needs of Americans. USDA provides critical nutrition assistance through Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) programs that include child nutrition programs, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and emergency food assistance among many other programs.

USDA works to increase food security and reduce hunger by providing children and low-income people access to food, a healthful diet, and nutrition education in a way that supports American agriculture and inspires public confidence. Eastern Time on Thanksgiving Day.USDA is responsible for providing a safety net for millions of Americans who are food-insecure and for developing and promoting dietary guidance based on scientific evidence. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. Because microwaves have cold spots, check the internal temperature of the food in several places with a food thermometer after allowing a resting time.įor more questions about food safety, contact the USDA’s Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-888-MPHotline (1-88) or email to reach a food safety expert or chat live at from 10 a.m. Arrange food items evenly in a covered microwave safe glass or ceramic dish and add some liquid, if needed.

Microwave Food Safely: When reheating in the microwave, cover and rotate the food for even heating.

Reheat sauces, soups and gravies safely by bringing them to a rolling boil.

Reheat to 165 F: Make sure your reheated leftovers reach 165 F as measured with a food thermometer.

Frozen food stays safe indefinitely, though the quality may decrease over time (best quality if eaten within six months). If you want to keep leftovers longer, freeze them within that four-day period.

Freeze or Consume Within Four Days: Use the Monday after Thanksgiving as a reminder that it is the last day you can safely eat leftovers.

Use Shallow Containers: After you break down your Thanksgiving meal into smaller portions, store leftover food in shallow containers in the refrigerator until the Monday after Thanksgiving, or in the freezer for later use.

Perishable food should be discarded if left out for longer than two hours, so refrigerate or freeze items to prevent food waste. After two hours, perishable food enters the 'Danger Zone' (between 40 F and 140 F), where bacteria can multiply quickly and cause food to become unsafe.

Remember the Two-Hour Rule: Refrigerate perishable items within two hours of coming out of the oven or refrigerator.

Keep your favorite leftovers safe by following these food safety steps:

The year’s biggest meal will be over soon, but delicious Thanksgiving leftovers will sustain you from Black Friday to Cyber Monday.

Usda nutrition infographic