Final answer:
Leftovers should be heated to a safe internal temperature of at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C) using a food thermometer to ensure that any harmful bacteria are killed.
Step-by-step explanation:
The minimum recommended safe temperature to heat leftovers is 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).
According to food safety guidelines, heating leftovers to this temperature ensures that any potential bacteria present are destroyed, reducing the risk of foodborne illness. It's important to use a food thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the leftovers has reached this safe level before consuming.
Foods, including leftovers, should be kept out of the 'danger zone' of temperatures between 40 and 140 degrees F (4 and 60 degrees C), where bacteria can multiply rapidly. If leftovers have been left at room temperature for more than two hours, they should be discarded to prevent the risk of illness.