Identifying When to Discard Leftovers: Four Key Signs
4 Signs Your Leftovers Should Be Thrown in the Trash Immediately, According to Science
Vice News
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A recent study identifies four clear indicators that leftovers should be discarded to prevent food poisoning: visible mold, slime, leaking liquid, and strong or sour smells. While some aging foods can still be salvaged, these signs indicate immediate disposal is necessary.
- 01Visible mold, slime, leaking liquid, and strong or sour smells are definitive signs that food should be discarded.
- 02Brown or black bananas are still good for use in recipes like banana bread or smoothies, while wrinkly apples can be used for baking.
- 03Moldy bread should always be thrown away, but stale bread can be repurposed into croutons or breadcrumbs.
- 04Leftover rice and pasta must be stored properly and consumed within a couple of days, while dairy products past their use-by date should be discarded immediately.
- 05Soft cheeses with any mold should be discarded, but hard cheeses can often be salvaged by cutting away the moldy parts.
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A recent article discusses how to determine when leftovers should be discarded to avoid food poisoning. Researchers have identified four critical signs: visible mold, slime, leaking liquid, and strong or sour smells, which indicate that food is unsafe to eat. While some aging foods can still be salvaged—such as brown or black bananas for baking and wrinkly apples for stewing—others, like moldy bread, must be thrown out immediately. Leftover rice and pasta should be consumed within a couple of days and stored properly to prevent bacterial growth. Dairy products, particularly milk and yogurt, should be discarded if past their use-by date, and soft cheeses with mold should also be thrown away, while hard cheeses can often be salvaged by cutting away the moldy sections. Understanding these signs can help reduce food waste while ensuring safety in the kitchen.
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