Refrigerated food is not always safe forever. Even when food looks normal, it can become risky if it has been stored too long or kept at the wrong temperature.

Doctors and food safety experts warn that some leftovers need extra care.

Cooked vegetables should not sit in the fridge for too many days. Leafy greens like spinach, cabbage, and bok choy are best eaten fresh or reheated properly only once.

Frozen meat should also be checked carefully. If it has freezer burn, a strange smell, slimy texture, or unusual color, it is safer to throw it away.

Processed meats, such as deli slices, sausages, smoked meats, and old meat leftovers, can also become unsafe if kept past recommended storage times. Eating processed meats too often has also been linked to higher long-term health risks.

Seafood is one of the most sensitive foods in the fridge. Fish, shrimp, squid, and shellfish can spoil quickly. A strong smell, mushy texture, or unusual appearance means it should not be eaten.

The safest habit is simple: check dates, store food properly, and trust your senses.

When food seems questionable, do not risk it just because you are hungry. As many food safety experts say, when in doubt, throw it out.