A Man Dies After Eating Leftovers: 5 Foods You Should Never Eat as Leftovers

For many of us, it’s a common habit to save leftover food in the fridge to eat later. Some people even cook a large batch of food to last for several days. However, a recent tragedy serves as a serious warning about this practice.

A story from China reported that a man in his 50s died after eating leftovers. He suffered from severe, constant diarrhea, experiencing more than ten bouts a day. He was admitted to the hospital for IV fluids, but during treatment, he suddenly fainted. He was transferred to a larger hospital, but by the time he arrived, his heart had stopped. After nearly 40 minutes of resuscitation efforts, he passed away.

According to doctors, the man likely developed acute enteritis (inflammation of the intestines) from eating old leftovers. The severe diarrhea led to a critical imbalance of electrolytes in his body, which ultimately caused a life-threatening condition known as severe acidosis and hyperkalemia (high potassium levels), which his body could not overcome.

How Dangerous Are Leftovers?

The term "leftovers" doesn't just refer to food from the night before; it refers to any cooked food that has been stored for more than 8-10 hours. While proper storage can reduce the risk of illness, a study from a food testing and research institute in Ningbo, China, highlights how quickly certain foods can become unsafe.

In the study, researchers cooked 30 common dishes and stored them at two different temperatures: 4°C (refrigerator temperature) and 25°C (room temperature). Here’s what they found:

• Vegetables stored at 4°C for less than 6 hours: The content of nitrite and the number of microbes remained low and safe.

• Vegetables stored at 25°C for more than 6 hours: While the nitrite content didn't change much, the number of microbes grew significantly.

The study concluded that as long as leftovers are stored at a low temperature (below 4°C) for no more than 24 hours, they are generally safe to eat. However, while some foods may not be life-threatening, they can lose nutritional value and still pose a risk due to bacterial growth.

5 Foods You Should Never Eat as Leftovers

While proper food handling is important for all leftovers, some foods should be consumed on the same day they are cooked.

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1. Mushrooms and Wood Ear Mushrooms

These fungi contain complex proteins that can become harmful to the digestive system when reheated. Additionally, they have high nitrate content, which can produce toxins when stored for too long, causing stomach discomfort. It's best to eat them fresh.

2. Green Leafy Vegetables

Leafy greens have a high nitrate content. When left at room temperature for an extended period, the nitrate can turn into harmful nitrites. The nutritional value also decreases significantly. This is especially true for vegetables with stems and leaves.

3. Tofu and Other Soy Products

Soy products like tofu and soy milk are rich in protein and nutrients, making them a perfect breeding ground for microorganisms. If stored improperly or for too long, they can be contaminated by bacteria like Clostridium botulinum, which can cause a life-threatening form of nerve paralysis.

4. Soft-Boiled Eggs

Eggs with a runny yolk are not fully sterilized during cooking. If left for too long, they can become a breeding ground for bacteria, as their rich nutrient content provides an ideal environment for microbial growth.

5. Seafood

Some bacteria naturally present in seafood are not completely eliminated by cooking. These bacteria can multiply quickly after the food is stored in the refrigerator, and the resulting protein breakdown products can be harmful to your liver and kidneys.

How to Safely Store Leftovers

If you must store leftovers, follow these tips to reduce the risk of illness:

• Refrigerate Immediately: Do not leave cooked food at room temperature. Store it in the refrigerator as soon as it cools down to prevent rapid bacterial growth.

• Store in Separate Containers: To avoid cross-contamination, store cooked vegetables and meat in separate, airtight containers.

• Consume Quickly: It is best to eat leftovers within one day. You should never reheat the same dish more than once.