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AhaBulb: Stuff Everyone Should Know · ahabulb.com/leftovers-two-hours

Thanksgiving's over. When do the leftovers go in the fridge?

Within 2 hours, or 1 hour if it's over 90°F.

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The Just Right card

Too littleToss anything that's sat out 30 minutes
Too muchAfter the football game
Just rightWithin 2 hours

Huh, didn't know that: Bacteria multiply fastest between 40°F and 140°F, the food safety danger zone.

The dad joke
Why did the turkey join the band? Because it had the drumsticks.
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References

Answer: Within 2 hours. Bacteria multiply fastest between 40°F and 140°F. After 2 hours at room temperature, or 1 hour above 90°F, it belongs in the trash, not the fridge.

  1. FoodSafety.gov Thanksgiving leftovers guidance www.foodsafety.gov/blog/leftovers-gift-keeps-giving
    All perishable items should be refrigerated within two hours of coming out of the oven or refrigerator.
    Checked 2026-10-09.
  2. FDA food safety danger zone guidance www.fda.gov/food/people-risk-foodborne-illness/eating-out-bringing-food-safety-moms-be
    The "danger zone" is the range of temperatures at which bacteria can grow - usually between 40° and 140° F (4° and 60° C).
    Checked 2026-10-09.

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