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Food Expiration Dates 101: When to Keep and Toss Leftovers

Unlike a gallon of milk or a jar of pickles, leftovers don't come stamped with an expiration date. Don't resort to the sniff test with that extra slide of pie or uneaten chicken -- we've got you covered with food expiration dates from StillTasty.com (27 Photos)

Lisa Cericola on Apr 23, 2013 at 9:57AM

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Food Expiration Dates 101: When to Keep and Toss Leftovers

Robert Reiff/Stockfood Creative/Getty Images

Cooked Meatloaf or Meatballs

Three to four days in the refrigerator or three to four months in the freezer.

Leftover meatloaf and meatballs make great next-day sandwiches. Refrigerate within two hours of cooking in an airtight container, freezer bag or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Freezer time is for best quality -- foods kept at zero degrees Fahrenheit will be safe to eat indefinitely.