Food hygiene expert shares tips for reheating leftovers
With Christmas dinner barely finished, households across Flintshire and beyond are turning their attention to leftovers. But while reheating festive food is a popular Boxing Week tradition, experts are reminding people to do it safely.
Food hygiene specialist Dr Richard Anderson, Head of Learning and Development at High Speed Training, has shared official advice to help families avoid foodborne illness while reducing waste.
The guidance follows new data showing around 54 million plates of food go to waste in the UK over Christmas each year.
Dr Anderson said: “Ideally, food should be eaten soon after it’s cooked, but certain foods can safely be kept for a few days if stored correctly.
“Leftover meat should be eaten within two or three days and kept in a sealed container in the fridge. Potatoes and vegetables can last a little longer, up to a week, but should also be stored in sealed containers.”
The Food Standards Agency recommends reheating food only once, ensuring it is piping hot throughout before serving.
Dr Anderson said: “The most efficient and safe way to reheat food is in a preheated oven, ideally between 160°C and 220°C depending on the food. Microwaves can also be used, but are better for smaller portions and softer foods such as vegetables.”
He added: “If you have a temperature probe, check that the food has reached at least 75°C before eating. Large cuts of meat should be checked at the centre to ensure they are hot all the way through.”
High Speed Training’s guidance also recommends dividing large portions of meat into smaller pieces before storing, so each serving can be reheated safely without needing to heat the whole joint again.
| Food | Refrigerate for: | How to reheat |
| Turkey | 2-3 days | Reheat in the oven at 220°C until piping hot |
| Chicken | 2-3 days | Reheat in the oven at 220°C until piping hot |
| Pork | 2-3 days | Reheat in the oven at 220°C until piping hot |
| Veg | 3-5 days | Reheat in the oven for root veg at 160°C or in the microwave for 3 minutes for green veg. These should be stirred halfway through to ensure they have been heated evenly |
| Potatoes | 3-5 days | Reheat roasties in the oven at 160°C, and mash in the microwave for 3 minutes. Stir mash halfway through cooking to ensure it has been heated evenly throughout. Cook them for longer if it is not piping hot |
Dr Anderson said: “You can reheat chicken or turkey safely once, as long as it’s heated right through and steaming in the middle. Never reheat the same portion more than once.”
Further information about food hygiene courses and safe reheating guidance is available at: www.highspeedtraining.co.uk/courses/food-hygiene/
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