Final answer:
To ensure food is heated properly, use a cooking thermometer, keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold, thaw frozen foods properly, and refrigerate leftovers promptly.
Step-by-step explanation:
To ensure food is heated properly, several measures should be taken:
- Use a cooking thermometer to ensure that the food reaches an internal temperature of at least 74 degrees C (165 degrees F) to kill any bacteria it contains.
- Keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold to maintain their safe temperatures.
- Thaw frozen foods slowly in the refrigerator or quickly in the microwave, cool water, or while cooking. Do not thaw at room temperature.
- Refrigerate perishable leftovers as soon as possible to prevent bacterial growth.