Just found out how fast leftover takeout goes bad in the fridge

I saw this report from the USDA that says cooked rice only lasts 3-4 days in the fridge before you should toss it. I had some Chinese food in there from 5 days ago and was about to eat it. Checked the leftover containers in my fridge and found three different takeout boxes past that window. The report also said meat leftovers are only good for 4 days max. That stat surprised me because I always thought a week was fine. Anybody else been keeping stuff way longer than they should?

2 comments

2 Comments

wright.michael2d ago

Cooked rice only lasts 3-4 days" yeah RIGHT. I just ate some leftover lo mein from last Tuesday and I'm fine so far, ask me again tomorrow. My fridge is basically a science experiment with soy sauce. I found a box of General Tso's from like two weeks ago and my rule is if it doesn't smell like death and doesn't have visible mold, it's fair game. That USDA report is probably paid off by Big Takeout to make you order MORE.

the_sandra2d ago

Wait, so @wright.michael's "no smell no mold" rule - does that actually hold up with rice specifically or are you just lucky and stubborn? Because I've heard rice can get you sick even when it looks and smells totally fine at day 5.