Final answer:
Leftovers need to be rapidly reheated to a temperature greater than 60 degrees Celsius (140 degrees Fahrenheit) within 2 hours in order to kill any harmful bacteria that may have multiplied.
Step-by-step explanation:
Leftovers need to be rapidly reheated to a temperature greater than 60 degrees Celsius (140 degrees Fahrenheit) within 2 hours in order to kill any harmful bacteria that may have multiplied. This is because bacteria generally multiply most rapidly at temperatures between 4 and 60 degrees Celsius.
To ensure proper reheating, it is important to use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of the leftovers. The internal temperature should reach a minimum of 75 degrees Celsius (165 degrees Fahrenheit) to ensure they are safe to eat.