If you’re among many people who use aluminum foil to cover the leftover food, you may be surprised to learn that it can be a problem. Although common, covering leftovers with aluminum foil is not enough to keep the bacteria away. Here’s a bit more about that.
When you leave food outside of the fridge, the bacteria start developing quickly—in just a few hours. Some bacteria can affect your health so it’s always a good idea to keep the leftovers in the fridge. This, however, isn’t enough if you’re using aluminum foil to cover the plate or wrap the food.
When covered with aluminum foil, food is still exposed to air and it can lead to bacteria contamination. It may look sealed but it never is. Using the right containers that close well is the key to safely keeping food in the fridge until you’re ready to eat it.
It’s best to use shallow containers that allow food to cool down fast. Don’t let more than two hours pass before storing the food in the fridge. If you’re not sure whether it’s safe for eating, it’s best to just toss it. If you have more food than you can eat soon, store some in the freezer.
