What safe internal temperature should leftovers be reheated to?

The safe internal temperature at which leftovers should be reheated is 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature is crucial for killing any harmful bacteria that may have developed during storage, especially if the food has been kept in the refrigerator for a time.

Reaching 165 degrees ensures that not only are potential pathogens destroyed, but it also minimizes the risk of foodborne illness. It's important to use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature accurately, especially in the thickest part of the food, to ensure that it has reached this minimum safe temperature throughout. This practice allows for safe consumption of previously cooked food while keeping flavor and texture in mind.