Don’t let your leftovers ruin the holidays

Christmas Day is all about family, gifts and food.

There is nothing better than a delicious spread to complete your Christmas.

Not taking precautions with your leftovers could put a damper on your holiday.

The El Paso Department of Public Health advises to take all precautions after you enjoy your food.

Santiago Varela, with the Food Inspection Department, said remember the four-hour rule.

Whether it is a piping hot plate or a cold dish, after it’s been out for four hours, re-chill, reheat or store it in the refrigerator.

“Anytime food is out, of course bacteria starts growing,” said Varela.

If you are not sure how long your leftovers are out, Varela said it is best to throw it out.

“Your family’s there, your friends are there, the last thing you want to do is get people sick during the holidays,” he said.

Keep on eye out for the the children running around outdoors.

“They’re outside playing with different pets, playing with dirt, playing with different things that contaminate their hands.

Sometimes they don’t wash their hands and they are picking at the food,” said Varela.

“That can cause problems as far as cross contamination.”

Leftovers can be stored in a refrigerator no more than seven days if the fridge is properly running at 41 degrees or colder.