How long must a product hold a temperature of 165 degrees after reheating for it to be safe for consumption?

The correct answer is that a product must hold a temperature of 165 degrees for 15 seconds after reheating to ensure it is safe for consumption. This specific time-temperature requirement is critical because it ensures that any harmful bacteria or pathogens present in the food are effectively killed.

Holding the food at this temperature for 15 seconds provides sufficient time for the heat to penetrate and destroy these microorganisms, reducing the risk of foodborne illness. This standard is supported by food safety guidelines established by health organizations, which emphasize the importance of both temperature and time in cooking and reheating processes to ensure food safety.

While other options provide various durations, they do not align with the established guidelines that indicate 15 seconds as the minimum time needed at the specified temperature for effective pathogen reduction.