Food & cooking · Food safety
Leftovers storage time calculator.
Pick the food and the day you cooked or bought it and get the last safe day in the fridge and the freezer window, from Health Canada.
Inputs
Use-by dates
Pick a food and a date.
How long do leftovers last in the fridge?
Health Canada says cooked meat, stews and vegetable dishes keep 3 to 4 days in the fridge, cooked poultry and fish 3 to 4 days, and soups 2 to 3 days. Raw ground meat keeps 1 to 2 days, raw whole chicken or turkey 2 to 3 days, fresh fish 3 to 4 days and raw sausage 1 to 2 days. The fridge must be at 4 C (40 F) or colder and the freezer at -18 C (0 F) or colder.
Worked example. You roast a chicken on Monday 5 October. Cooked poultry keeps 3 to 4 days, so eat or freeze it by Thursday 8 October, with Friday 9 October the outside limit. If you freeze it, plan to use it within 4 to 6 months.
Frequently asked questions
How long can cooked chicken stay in the fridge?
3 to 4 days, according to Health Canada. Cool leftovers promptly and keep the fridge at 4 C or colder.
How long do soup leftovers last?
2 to 3 days in the fridge and about 4 months in the freezer.
Can I tell if food is bad by smell?
No. Health Canada notes you cannot tell if food is unsafe by smell or taste. When in doubt, throw it out.
Do I reheat leftovers?
Yes, to 74 C (165 F) throughout, per Health Canada.
Sources
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Scope
The date shown is the conservative end of the range. Freezer times are for quality; frozen food held at -18 C stays safe, but flavour and texture decline. Food safety guidance, not medical advice. If you are pregnant, immunocompromised, elderly or cooking for young children, follow the stricter advice from your health professional.