Leftovers should be stored in shallow pans with a food depth of no more than how many inches?

Leftovers should be stored in shallow pans with a food depth of no more than 2 inches. This recommendation is based on food safety practices that help ensure food cools quickly and evenly, reducing the risk of bacterial growth. When food is stored in shallow containers, it has a larger surface area exposed to the air, allowing for faster cooling compared to deeper containers, where heat can remain trapped and slow down the cooling process. Keeping the food depth to 2 inches or less helps maintain the safety and quality of the leftovers, allowing them to be stored safely for future consumption.

Storing food in deeper containers increases the risk of prolonging the cooling process, which can lead to unsafe temperatures. Therefore, maintaining a depth of greater than 2 inches is not in line with food safety guidelines.