What temperature should leftover food be reheated to?

Leftover food should be reheated to a minimum internal temperature of 165°F to ensure that any pathogens that may have developed during storage are destroyed. This temperature is critical for safety as it effectively kills bacteria, including those that can cause foodborne illnesses.

Reheating food to this temperature helps to ensure that the food is safe for consumption, especially when it has been previously cooked and stored. It is important to measure the temperature at the thickest part or center of the food to ensure an accurate reading.

While other temperatures listed may apply to certain food handling processes, they do not meet the safety standards for reheating leftovers. Thus, 165°F is the correct answer for safely reheating leftover food.