You open the refrigerator and see a whole chicken, and you can’t remember when you bought it. You stand there, wondering, “How many days should a whole chicken be refrigerated?” If you love stocking on consumables, we’re sure you’re likely to experience this a lot more times. But worry no more! We’re Teko.ph, the largest aircon and appliance services provider in the Philippines, and we’re here to provide you with a concise explanation—once and for all.

Keeping leftover food in the refrigerator

Refrigeration is a helpful technique for keeping foods fresh for extended periods of time. Not only does it minimize bacteria growth but also reduces the risk of food poisoning and spoilage. This is why it’s important to own a refrigerator for every household.

Ensure your ref is set at or below 4°C to keep perishable goods fresh. This helps keep meals out of the “temperature danger zone.” This temperature range, between 4°Cand 60°C, is where bacteria reproduce the fastest. You may keep a refrigerator thermometer inside your ref so you can check if you’re in the correct zone.

Do not let perishable goods, cooking ingredients, and leftovers stay out at room temperature for more than two hours—one hour in warmer weather. The longer you expose food to these temps, the more time bacteria could grow.

If you can’t eat leftover food in three to four days, put it in the freezer to extend its shelf life. Use an appliance thermometer to confirm that your freezer is set to 0°C or below.

Also, using the right container matters! Make sure you use the correct size of cover to properly seal the food container. It’ll be easier to use a microwavable container if you plan to reheat the food so you won’t have to transfer it.

How long can you keep food in the refrigerator?

Dispose of unsealed perishable items after seven days, per the FDA Food Code. No leftovers should last longer than that in your fridge, even if you don’t see molds or changes in color and smell. When in doubt, do not consume if stored for more than four days already.

The table below, courtesy of FoodSafety.gov, is a helpful suggestion for storing food in the refrigerator.