Get to Know Your Microwave
How Foods Cook in a Microwave
Defrosting Foods in a Microwave
Microwave Cooking Techniques
Testing for Doneness
What to Do With Leftovers
Reheating Foods Safely
Microwave Food Safety Checks

Reheating Foods Safely

There's no doubt about it: the microwave is America's favorite reheater. But careless reheating can contribute to foodborne illness.

First, be sure the food you're reheating has been handled and stored properly. Heating may not destroy all the bacteria in food that was left out of refrigeration or stored too long. Heat cannot destroy toxins produced by some types of bacteria. If you are in doubt about the safety of the food - it is always best to throw it out.

Use the same techniques for reheating that are recommended above for microwaving raw foods safely. This goes for home-cooked leftovers, frozen or shelf-stable convenience foods, and carry-out foods.

When reheating soup, liquids and foods in sauces or gravy, always stir well before as well as during and after microwaving.

Allow reheated foods to stand briefly before eating them. People have been burned by foods that appeared cooler on the surface than they turned out to be inside.

Reheated foods should reach 165°F to ensure that bacteria are destroyed. Food should steam throughout, not just at the edges. The center bottom of the plate or utensil containing the food should be very hot to the touch.