Food Safety Certification Practice Test

To ensure safety, what internal temperature should all reheated potentially hazardous food reach within two hours?

1. 155°F

2. 165°F

3. 180°F

4. 140°F

The correct answer is: 165°F

Reheated potentially hazardous food must reach an internal temperature of 165°F within two hours to ensure that any harmful bacteria present in the food are effectively eliminated. This specific temperature is vital because it is recognized as the minimum safe level for reheating meats, poultry, seafood, and other proteins that may harbor pathogens. When food is heated to this temperature, it helps to ensure a rapid reduction of the bacteria that could cause foodborne illnesses. The two-hour timeframe is essential for preventing bacteria from growing to dangerous levels, particularly during the cooling and reheating processes. The other temperature choices do not provide adequate safety for reheating potentially hazardous foods. For instance, 155°F, although higher than normal cooking temperatures for some foods, does not bring the food high enough to ensure the elimination of pathogens effectively within the specified time. Similarly, 180°F is excessively high for reheating and might compromise the quality of the food, while 140°F is not sufficient to ensure food safety as it allows bacteria to thrive. Thus, the standard of 165°F is critical for safeguarding public health in food service.