A restaurant can store leftovers at 41 degrees Fahrenheit or lower for a maximum of how many days?

• A. 10 days
• B. 3 days
• C. 5 days
• D. 7 days

Answer: (D)

The safety of leftovers depends on keeping them out of the danger zone where bacteria multiply quickly. When food is stored at 41°F (5°C) or lower, you should generally use or discard leftovers within about 3 to 4 days. Four days is the typical upper limit for most cooked foods; after that, the risk of spoilage and illness rises. Some items, like seafood or poultry, may be safer to use sooner (often closer to 2–3 days), but the common guideline for many foods is four days max. So seven days is not considered safe for refrigerated leftovers.