The WHO recently published 10 “golden rules” for safe food preparation. These guidelines can significantly reduce the risk of contracting food-borne illnesses, which affect more than 600 million people worldwide.
One key rule is to eat cooked food as quickly as possible, although the WHO understands that this is not always practical. Another of the WHO's golden rules addresses this, emphasizing the importance of properly reheating leftovers to stay safe.
If cooked food cannot be eaten immediately, WHO recommends that it is safer to reheat it properly rather than eating it at room temperature.
According to Dr Suranjit Chatterjee, senior consultant, internal medicine, Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, reheating it to an internal temperature of at least 75°C (165°F) will help kill any bacteria that may have grown during storage.
He, however, warned that this process should be done only once as repeated cooling and reheating can further compromise food quality and safety. “Each reheating provides more time for bacterial growth during the intermediate cooling period. While WHO guidelines allow one reheating if done properly, it remains a prudent precaution to avoid excessive reheating, especially in areas like India where ambient temperatures are high and can accelerate microbial growth,” he said during the interaction.
Reheating food at a high enough temperature will also kill these bacteria and prevent food poisoning, which can cause unpleasant symptoms like nausea, vomiting and diarrhea and are especially dangerous for young children, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems.
Reheating food to a high enough temperature will also kill these bacteria and prevent food poisoning. (Source: Freepik)
Here are some reheating strategies:
Add a Little Liquid: Leftovers can dry out during reheating, so adding a little broth, water, or sauce can help keep them moist and flavorful.
Reheat in small portions: Repeated reheating of large quantities can affect quality. Consider storing leftovers in small portions to avoid unnecessary reheating.
Get creative: leftovers can inspire new dishes! Use them in stir-fries, omelets, soups and more to breathe new life into your meals.
Safe food handling is important from preparation to consumption. Properly reheating leftovers is a simple but important step to prevent foodborne illness and safely enjoy delicious leftovers. The next time you reach for a container of leftovers, be sure to reheat them properly for a healthy, enjoyable meal.
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First uploaded on: June 14, 2024 10:30 IST
