What is the maximum internal temperature for reheating leftover food?

The maximum internal temperature for reheating leftover food is 165°F. This temperature is critical to ensure that any harmful bacteria present in the food are effectively killed. When food is cooked, bacteria can sometimes survive if the food is not properly stored or if it has been sitting out for too long. Reheating food to at least 165°F raises its temperature sufficiently to eliminate these bacteria and reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses.

In food safety practices, this temperature is a standard benchmark that aligns with guidelines set by health authorities, indicating a clear and effective method for ensuring food safety. It is essential to use a food thermometer to check that food reaches this temperature throughout, not just at the surface, to ensure that it is safe to consume.