Reheating Leftovers: What Foods Should You Avoid?
After a bountiful Thanksgiving feast, leftover meals are a blessing. However, not everything from your festive table is safe to reheat. Dietitian Harini Bala recently shared important safety advice on TikTok, urging caution with certain foods.
Bala’s TikTok video, which has garnered over 149,000 views, emphasizes the risks associated with reheating spinach. "Please don’t reheat your spinach, just eat it immediately as soon as you cook them," she advises. According to Bala, reheating spinach increases nitrate levels, which, when exposed to high heat, convert into nitrosamines, a compound linked to cancer. She warns that this compound becomes “toxic” when spinach is reheated.
Bala also cautions against reheating tea. While it might seem harmless, doing so can diminish its health benefits. “When reheated,” she explains, “the antioxidant properties of tea breakdown while the level of tannins …increases.” This alters the taste, making it more bitter. Additionally, Bala warns of potential bacterial growth: "any “dormant bacteria” in the tea will become “active” with reheating, posing a health risk to consumers."
Rice is another food that requires careful handling. While rice can be reheated safely, Bala stresses the importance of proper storage. When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking, it’s perfectly fine. However, delays in refrigeration can lead to "Bacillus cereus" forming. This bacteria thrives in starchy foods and can cause food poisoning.
As Bala explains, “But if you’re cooking your rice in the morning and storing it in the fridge at night to eat the next day, there is a huge possibility of Bacillus cereus forming.” This condition, often known as “fried rice syndrome,” can result in severe illness, and in rare cases, has even been fatal.
The FDA estimates that there are about 63,400 cases of Bacillus cereus poisoning annually. Symptoms typically include stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever.
Think twice before microwaving those Thanksgiving leftovers.carefully considering these expert tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday season.
## Reheating Leftovers: Expert Advice to Make Your Meals Safe
**Interviewer:** Welcome back to World Today News. We all know leftover turkey sandwiches adn stuffing are Thanksgiving classics.But with the festive season in full swing, knowing what leftovers are safe to reheat is crucial for avoiding foodborne illness. Joining us today is Dietitian Harini Bala, who recently went viral on TikTok with some valuable advice on this topic. Welcome, Harini.
**harini Bala:**
Thank you for having me!
**Interviewer:** Let’s start with the basics. Why is it important to be careful about reheating leftovers?
**Harini bala:**
Foodborne bacteria can grow rapidly in the “danger zone” between 40°F and 140°F. When you leave cooked food out at room temperature for too long, these harmful bacteria can multiply, increasing your risk of food poisoning. reheating doesn’t always kill all the bacteria, so it’s essential to handle leftovers properly to ensure they’re safe to eat.
**Interviewer:** You’ve become known for your TikTok advice on this topic. Can you highlight some of the foods people should be extra cautious about reheating?
**Harini Bala:**
Absolutely! Some foods require special attention when reheating.
**1. Pasta and Rice Dishes:** These are notorious for harboring bacteria, especially if they contain dairy or eggs.Reheat thoroughly until steaming hot, ensuring an internal temperature of at least 165°F.
**2. Creamy Soups and Sauces:** These often contain ingredients that can become breeding grounds for bacteria. Always reheat on the stovetop or in the oven to ensure even heating. Avoid using the microwave, as it can create hot spots that may not kill all bacteria.
**3. Meat and poultry:** make sure these are reheated thoroughly until the juices run clear, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F. Remember to cut into thicker pieces to ensure the center reaches the safe temperature.
**4. Seafood:** Seafood is notably susceptible to bacterial growth.Reheat it carefully, minimizing the number of times you reheat it. Aim for an internal temperature of 145°F.
**Interviewer:**
That’s excellent advice. What are some general tips for reheating leftover foods safely?
**Harini Bala:**
* **Refrigerate promptly:** Store leftovers in shallow containers within two hours of cooking and refrigerate at 40°F or lower.
* **Reheat thoroughly:** Heat food to an internal temperature of at least 165°F. Use a food thermometer to ensure accuracy.
* **Avoid overcrowding:** Don’t overcrowd the microwave or oven, as this can prevent even heating.
* **Only reheat once:** It’s best to reheat leftovers only once.
**Interviewer:**
Any final words of wisdom for our readers?
**Harini Bala:** remember, food safety is crucial, especially when dealing with leftovers. When in doubt, throw it out! Better safe than sorry.
**Interviewer:**
Excellent advice, harini. Thank you so much for sharing your expertise with us today.
**Harini Bala:**
My pleasure!
**Interviewer:** And thank you for joining us on World Today News. Remember to visit our website for more details on safe food handling practices.
**This interview has been edited for clarity and brevity. **
