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Transcript
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I’m Susie Craig from Washington State University Extension.
Got frozen leftovers and wondering how to thaw them safely for dinner this evening? Use the refrigerator, cold water, or microwave to keep food safe and ready to reheat. Refrigerator thawing is safest and allows food to remain refrigerated until use. Cold water thawing is faster, but foods must be sealed in a leak-proof bag to prevent contamination. In a hurry? Use the microwave, then continue heating immediately. Better yet, many leftovers can be reheated directly from frozen. Whatever method you choose, always reheat leftovers to 165 degrees Fahrenheit and check with a food thermometer. Cover food while reheating to retain moisture and promote even heating. Safe leftovers mean safe meals for everyone.
Thanks for listening to Food Safety in a Minute.
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Resources
Partnership for Food Safety Education. (n.d.). Fight BAC!® consumer resources. Accessed online, 10/15/2026.
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service. (n.d.). Leftovers and food safety. Accessed online 10/15/2026