When reheating leftovers, to what temperature and duration should you reheat?

• A. Reheat to 160°F for 15 seconds
• B. Reheat to 165°F for 15 seconds
• C. Reheat to 170°F for 15 seconds
• D. Reheat to 180°F for 15 seconds

Answer: (B)

Reheating leftovers safely means getting the food hot enough throughout to kill any bacteria that could have grown after cooking, and keeping it there long enough for even heat distribution. The standard guideline is to heat all leftovers to at least 165°F and hold that temperature for 15 seconds. This level of heat is high enough to destroy common pathogens in a variety of foods, and the 15 seconds helps ensure the heat penetrates to the center of the dish, especially for dense or mixed leftovers. Reheating to lower temperatures can leave cold spots where bacteria survive, while higher temperatures aren’t needed for safety and can hurt quality. Always check the thickest part with a thermometer and stir or rearrange during reheating to promote even heating.