How long can cooked food be safely stored in a refrigerator?

Cooked food can be safely stored in a refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. This timeframe is based on food safety guidelines that suggest bacteria can grow in cooked foods if they are stored for too long, even in refrigeration. The 3 to 4 days window allows you to maintain the quality and safety of the food while minimizing the risk of foodborne illness.

After 4 days, the likelihood of spoilage increases as bacteria can multiply, even at cold temperatures. It's essential for those handling food to adhere closely to these storage guidelines to ensure that the food they serve is not only safe but also maintains its best quality.

In contrast to this answer, food stored for only 1 to 2 days may not maximize the shelf life of cooked dishes. Storing food for 5 to 7 days extends beyond recommended safety limits, posing a greater risk of foodborne pathogens developing. The idea of indefinite storage suggests a misunderstanding of food safety because all perishable items have a limited shelf life, even when refrigerated.