How can you determine if reheated food is safe to serve?

The safest way to determine if reheated food is safe to serve is by using a thermometer to ensure that it has reached an internal temperature of over 165°F. This temperature is crucial because it is the minimum temperature recommended by food safety guidelines for killing harmful bacteria and pathogens that may have developed in food during storage or reheating.

Color, taste, and texture, while they can provide some clues about the food’s doneness or quality, are not reliable indicators of food safety. Bacteria can be present regardless of these visual or sensory characteristics. Therefore, relying on a thermometer ensures that food is not just visually appealing or palatable but also safe for consumption, protecting against foodborne illnesses.