How long can I leave leftovers in the fridge before they become unsafe to eat?

Question

I know it may vary by the temperature of the fridge (I usually leave it at above average to slightly freeze things) and which type of food it is. If there is growth on the food or an odor I don't even think about salvaging it. I usually throw most cooked food after 1 week. But sometimes it smells fine and I think "I don't want to waste this food".
I also know some of you refuse to eat leftovers at all. But if you do eat leftovers, how long can you leave the following items in the fridge to eat before they are too old and/or I may get sick from them. (Assume there is no odor or growth on the food.)

Hambuger helper
Tuna (with mayo & mustard)
Bottled condiments (IE: Ketchup, mayo, jelly, etc)
Juice/Kool-aid type mix-it-yourself drinks

Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

Hamburger Helper- i wouldnt keep more than a few days
Tuna- A few days
Condiments-until they expire
Juice-unitil it expires
Kool Aid- acouple of weeks

Answer 2

Lady Sunrise hit the nail right on the head- I saw on Dateline (or a similar type tv program) that most leftovers should be used within 3 days or discarded. And they said never keep chinese food in the little cardboard contains- always switch them to airtight glass or plastic contains. Condiments are good for up to a year or so- just make sure the lids are tight. The only thing I ever read about juices or beverages is that if you make iced tea from tea bags in a pitcher, that you should take the tea bags out after 6 hours since bacteria can breed in them.

Answer 3

This also depends on how you are storing them. Example - covered with saran wrap or air tight tupperware container? Most foods will last longer than people think, especially when refrigerated. A loaf of bread left on the kitchen counter will not last as long as a loaf that is placed in the frig. If you are storing these foods in air tight containers, they will easily last a week sometimes 2 weeks. Other types of storage typically lead to the food spoiling faster - even when refrigerated.

Answer 4

i only keep only 3 days only, i do not trust after that, regardless of others, ive gotton sick over left overs over 3 days old.


Now far as Ketsup, Bottled Things, I keep for Months, Like 3 Months, With lid on tight, But Food? NO NO, NONE AFTER 3 Days, Not This Gal.

Answer 5

And on the 4th day, God created the Garbage Can.