Question

To what temperature should commercially processed and packaged ready-to-eat food such as deep-fried vegetables be reheated?

a) 120 degreesF (49 degreesC)
b) 135 degreesF (57 degreesC)
c) 150 degreesF (66 degreesC)
d) 165 degreesF (74 degreesC)

Answer 1

Commercially processed and packaged ready-to-eat food should be reheated to an internal temperature of 165 degreesF (74 degreesC) to ensure safety from bacteria and pathogens.

Step-by-step explanation:

To answer the question regarding the temperature to which commercially processed and packaged ready-to-eat food such as deep-fried vegetables should be reheated, the correct temperature is d) 165 degreesF (74 degreesC). This is the temperature considered safe to effectively kill most bacteria and pathogens, ensuring the food is safe to consume. It is critical to reach this internal temperature to prevent the likelihood of foodborne diseases. This temperature is above the range in which bacteria tend to multiply most rapidly, which is between 40 degreesF (4 degreesC) and 140 degreesF (60 degreesC).