NAFDAC Warns Nigerians Against Eating Refrigerated Cooked Food Stored Beyond Three Days

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued an important public health advisory, urging Nigerians to avoid consuming cooked food that has been stored in the refrigerator for more than three days.
According to the agency, keeping cooked meals for extended periods, even under refrigeration, can increase the risk of contamination by harmful bacteria such as Listeria and Salmonella. These bacteria can multiply over time and may cause foodborne illnesses, leading to symptoms such as stomach cramps, diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and other serious health complications.
NAFDAC emphasized that while refrigeration helps slow bacterial growth, it does not completely stop it. As a result, food that appears fresh, smells normal, or tastes fine may still pose health risks if stored for too long.
The agency advised Nigerians to:
Consume refrigerated cooked food within three days.
Store food at the appropriate refrigerator temperature.
Reheat leftovers thoroughly before eating.
Discard any food that has exceeded the recommended storage period.
Practice proper food hygiene during preparation and storage.
Food safety experts note that vulnerable groups, including children, pregnant women, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems, face a higher risk of severe illness from contaminated food.
NAFDAC’s warning comes as part of ongoing efforts to promote food safety awareness and reduce the incidence of foodborne diseases across the country.
The agency encouraged Nigerians to share the advisory with family members, friends, and loved ones to help protect public health and prevent avoidable illnesses.
“When in doubt, throw it out” remains one of the safest rules when it comes to leftover food storage and consumption.