What is the correct procedure for reheating food?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking about the proper method to reheat food safely and effectively to avoid foodborne illness and ensure it reaches the appropriate temperature.
Answer
Heat food to at least 165°F (74°C) for 15 seconds using a food thermometer. Reheat quickly within two hours.
The correct procedure for reheating food is to heat it to an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C) for 15 seconds, using a food thermometer to check. Reheat rapidly and within two hours of removal from refrigeration. Cover food to retain moisture and ensure even heating.
Answer for screen readers
The correct procedure for reheating food is to heat it to an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C) for 15 seconds, using a food thermometer to check. Reheat rapidly and within two hours of removal from refrigeration. Cover food to retain moisture and ensure even heating.
More Information
It is important to ensure that reheated food reaches the correct temperature to kill potentially harmful bacteria and avoid foodborne illnesses.
Tips
A common mistake is not using a food thermometer to check the temperature of reheated food, which may result in uneven heating and potential bacterial survival.
Sources
- What methods of reheating food are safe? - Ask USDA - ask.usda.gov
- Food Safety - Proper Cooking & Reheating Temperatures - SCDHEC - scdhec.gov
- Reheating Food: Methods, Temperature, and More - FoodSafePal - foodsafepal.com