California Nursing Home Administrator License Practice Exam

What is the appropriate holding time for reheating leftovers?

1. 30 seconds at 165°

2. 15 seconds at 165°

3. 10 seconds at 130°

4. 20 seconds at 140°

The correct answer is: 15 seconds at 165°

The appropriate holding time for reheating leftovers is based on food safety guidelines that ensure harmful bacteria are effectively destroyed. Reheating food to an internal temperature of 165°F for a minimum duration is a widely accepted standard. This temperature is sufficient to kill most pathogens that may have developed during storage, making it safe for consumption. A reheating time of 15 seconds at 165°F is adequate because it allows enough time for the heat to penetrate the food and reach a safe holding temperature, effectively ensuring that any microbes are eradicated. This standard helps maintain food safety while balancing the need for timely meal service in settings like nursing homes. Other temperature and time combinations either do not reach the required safety threshold or are not long enough to ensure the food is heated uniformly, which is why they do not fit the safety criteria as effectively.