DES MOINES, Iowa —

Thanksgiving leftovers can be a treat, but they don't last forever. Before you go back for seconds, the National Consumer Unit has food safety tips to follow.

Follow the two-hour rule: once dishes leave the oven or fridge, get them back into the refrigerator within two hours to slow bacterial growth.

For the best quality in the freezer, keep cooked turkey, gravy, and desserts like pies and cakes up to 2-3 months, and cooked stuffing and mashed potatoes up to 1-2 months. Flavor and texture may decline the longer they are kept frozen. Store leftovers in shallow containers, label and date them, and keep the fridge at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or colder. When you’re ready to eat, cover food so it heats evenly and reheat to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

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