When to Toss Leftovers: 4 Signs You Need to Know

Almost every refrigerator has leftovers from Shabbat, and more – a salad from yesterday, spaghetti from the day before, and other treats. They're all packed nicely in plastic containers, waiting until their time is up.

So when is it time to say goodbye and throw out the leftovers? Here are the 4 main signs:

1. Smell

Smell is usually the first and most noticeable way to check if food is spoiled, although not all foods that smell bad are necessarily inedible.

However, if the spaghetti you made doesn't smell as it should, it's probably past its prime.

2. Texture

If the texture has changed, or feels a bit slimier than usual – it's likely spoiled.

3. Color

Look at the color of the food – if it's changed, it's a sign it's no longer edible. This is especially true for foods with fresh ingredients like meat, dairy, and vegetables.

On the other hand, for products containing preservatives, don't rely on color alone as a sign of spoilage. Look for other indicators.

4. Mold

When you see mold, do you cut off the moldy part and eat the rest? If so, pay attention.

According to the USDA, foods with mold can contain invisible bacteria and various molds that could cause respiratory issues and allergies.

Additionally, even if you see mold only on one part of the food, other parts might contain invisible fungi or bacteria, especially in bread.

Regarding cheese, if soft cheese has mold, it's recommended to discard it. If it's hard cheese, you can cut off the moldy part and eat the rest.

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