Is Leftovers & reheated food safe during pregnancy?
Refrigerate within 2 hours and reheat leftovers to 165°F or steaming hot. When in doubt, throw it out.
PregnancyUse with care
BreastfeedingUse with care
EvidenceStrong
What the sources say
USDA advises refrigerating leftovers within 2 hours of cooking (1 hour above 90°F), cooling large amounts quickly in shallow containers, keeping the fridge at 40°F or below, and reheating leftovers and casseroles to 165°F. FDA's moms-to-be guidance repeats the 2-hour rule. These rules apply to everyone, including while breastfeeding.
Also listed as
leftovers, reheating leftovers, reheated food, meal prep, takeout leftovers, day-old food, leftover rice, casserole, reheating
Sources
- USDA/FSIS: Leftovers and Food Safety
- USDA/FSIS: Safe Minimum Internal Temperature Chart
- FDA: Food Safety for Moms-to-Be At-a-Glance
- CDC: Preventing Listeria Infection
Last reviewed . This is general information, not medical advice. Ask your doctor or midwife about your own situation.