As families continue to consume leftovers from New Year celebrations, health authorities in Pangasinan warned the public against reheating stored food repeatedly, saying it could lead to food poisoning.

In Mangaldan, Pangasinan, residents said it is common to store leftover food after Media Noche because the amount prepared is often too much to finish in one sitting. The food is usually kept in the refrigerator and reheated when eaten again.

“Pinapainit namin, kasi sa ref na namin nilalagay ang pagkain kaya painit na lang talaga,” Analyn Porquillano, a resident of Mangaldan, saidd.

However, the Department of Health–Center for Health Development Region 1 (DOH-CHD 1) cautioned that improper food handling and storage increase the risk of food poisoning. Dr. Rheuel Bobis, spokesperson of CHD-1, said wrong food preparation is among the most common causes of the illness.

“Isa sa pinaka-common na reason kung bakit napu-food poison ang ating mga kababayan ay dahil sa maling preparation at pagkasira ng ating mga pagkain,” Bobis said.

Health officials said leftover food should only be stored in the refrigerator for three to four days. Beyond this period, the risk of food poisoning becomes higher if the food is still consumed. They added that placing food in the freezer is safer because it extends the food’s shelf life.

Bobis also advised the public to be cautious of food that already shows signs of spoilage.

“Iwasan na natin kainin ‘yung mga nakikita na natin na parang may kakaibang amoy or may kakaibang panlasa para hindi tayo magkaroon ng food poison at higit sa lahat huwag natin i-store sa room temperature ‘yung mga pagkain as much as possible sa isang malamig o dry na place para humaba ‘yung shelf life ng pagkain,” he said.

Authorities warned that contaminated food does not always show visible changes in taste, smell, or appearance, making old leftovers dangerous to eat. They stressed that proper food handling and storage remain the best way to prevent food poisoning.