How many days can I keep leftovers in the fridge?
Eat rice dishes and cooked food you eat cold within 2 days. Eat food you will reheat within 4 days. Put cooked food in the fridge or freezer as soon as possible, and within 2 hours at the latest. Reheat leftovers until steaming hot (over 75°C), and reheat them only once.
Official figures
- Where to check recalls
- The Recalled food products list on the MPI website1
- New Zealand Food Safety phone
- 0800 008 3332
- Use by
- About safety: do not eat food after its use by date, as it may make you sick. It is illegal to sell food past its use by date.2
- Best before
- About quality: food is usually still safe to eat after this date. If it looks and smells fine, it is usually OK. Shops can still sell it, as long as it is safe.2
- Fridge temperature
- Set between 2°C and 5°C2
Official sources
- Food health and safetyGovt.nz (Department of Internal Affairs) · govt.nz
- Food safety at home (booklet, updated May 2025)New Zealand Food Safety (MPI) · mpi.govt.nz
- A guide to food labellingNew Zealand Food Safety (MPI) · mpi.govt.nz
- Make a complaint about food poisoningGovt.nz (Department of Internal Affairs) · govt.nz
Read the full guide: Food safety and food recalls →
People also ask
- How do I check if food I bought at the supermarket has been recalled?
- What should I do if food I bought is recalled?
- What is the difference between 'use by' and 'best before'? Can I eat food after the date?
- I got sick after eating at a restaurant. Where do I report food poisoning?
- Who do I report to if I find something in my food or see a dirty shop?
- Imported food at an ethnic grocery store has no English label. Is that allowed?
Answers are based on official New Zealand government pages. Check the official source before you act. This is not immigration, legal or tax advice.
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