Health Tip: Freeze Food Safely

Health Tip: Freeze Food Safely

(HealthDay News) — If you’ve cooked a big meal and have lots of leftovers, you can freeze them and keep them longer.

The Foodsafety.gov website suggests:

  • Freezing doesn’t destroy any bacteria in food. It just preserves food longer than if stored in the refrigerator.
  • Use a thermometer to make sure your freezer is at 0 degrees Fahrenheit or colder.
  • When it’s time to thaw frozen food, never do so on the counter. This method could promote rapid bacterial growth.
  • Cooked leftovers should be moved to the freezer within two hours to prevent bacterial growth.