If you will not be able to refrigerate leftovers within two hours of being served, it is safer to leave the leftovers at the restaurant. The inside of a car can get very warm, and bacteria can grow rapidly, so refrigerate directly or bring a cooler with ice, but always within two hours. Reheat foods to 165° Fahrenheit. If reheating in a microwave, use microwave containers, not Styrofoam boxes. While microwaving, stir or rotate food to eliminate cold spots where harmful bacteria can survive, and then allow a few minutes standing time to complete cooking. For best safety and quality, eat leftovers in three or four days. If you mistakenly leave leftovers overnight on the counter, the food is not safe to eat, so toss it out. For more information, listen to USDA’s podcast "Safe Handling of Leftovers" at http://www.fsis.usda.gov/news_&_events/Food_Safety_at_Home_Podcasts/index.asp, or read the fact sheet on handling leftovers safely at www.fsis.usda.gov/Fact_Sheets/Safe_Handling_Take-Out_Foods/index.asp.

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