Leftover Timeline

Chinese leftovers are typically perishable and should be kept out of the danger zone -- between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit -- a temperature range where bacteria grow rapidly. Refrigerate all leftover items within 2 hours and store them for no longer than 3 or 4 days. Not all bacteria that cause food-borne illness produce foul smells or appearance in food, which makes it important to follow safe storage, handling and reheating guidelines and to eat leftovers within the proper time period.

Storing Leftovers Safely

Safe storage of leftovers is of utmost importance to ensure that they do not develop dangerous levels of bacteria that can make you sick. Wrap leftovers tightly in foil or repackage them at home in airtight containers to prevent contamination during storage in your refrigerator. If you cannot get your leftovers into the refrigerator within 2 hours of eating out, discard the food, as this is unsafe and can cause illness. On hot days -- over 90 F -- refrigerate leftovers within 1 hour of eating.

Reheating Leftovers

Leftovers must be reheated to 165 F before serving to be considered safe. Use an instant-read kitchen thermometer to ensure that your leftover Chinese food reaches this temperature when reheating. You can use a microwave, oven or stovetop to reheat food. In a microwave, rotate food throughout cooking so that it heats evenly throughout and does not have any cold spots that can harbor bacteria. For all methods, cover leftovers while reheating to help retain moisture and quality.

When to Let It Go

Even if your Chinese food is less than 4 days old, it can show signs of spoilage caused by old ingredients, poor storage or unsafe handling practices. If your food has any off odors or color changes, discard it without tasting; never rely on your nose alone to judge leftover's safety. Any leftovers that have been sitting in your refrigerator for 5 days or more must be tossed.