What is the minimum cooking temperature for poultry to ensure food safety?

What is the minimum cooking temperature for poultry to ensure food safety?

• A. 145°F
• B. 165°F
• C. 160°F
• D. 180°F

Answer: (B)

To ensure food safety, poultry must be cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 165°F. This temperature is critical because it is necessary to effectively destroy harmful bacteria that can cause foodborne illnesses, such as Salmonella and Campylobacter. Cooking poultry to this temperature ensures that it has been heated sufficiently throughout to eliminate any pathogens and make it safe for consumption. Cooking poultry at temperatures lower than 165°F may not effectively kill these microorganisms, increasing the risk of foodborne illness. While some other meats may require lower cooking temperatures, poultry's unique risks demand this higher threshold.

To ensure food safety, poultry must be cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 165°F. This temperature is critical because it is necessary to effectively destroy harmful bacteria that can cause foodborne illnesses, such as Salmonella and Campylobacter. Cooking poultry to this temperature ensures that it has been heated sufficiently throughout to eliminate any pathogens and make it safe for consumption.

Cooking poultry at temperatures lower than 165°F may not effectively kill these microorganisms, increasing the risk of foodborne illness. While some other meats may require lower cooking temperatures, poultry's unique risks demand this higher threshold.