Final answer:
Stuffed meats, seafood, poultry, or pasta must reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety. Handwashing, proper storage, and thermometers are key to preventing foodborne illness. Foods should be kept hot or refrigerated to avoid the danger zone where bacteria multiply.
Step-by-step explanation:
Safe Cooking Temperatures and Food Safety
Ensuring the safety of cooked foods is crucial to prevent foodborne diseases. The minimum internal temperature for stuffed meats, seafood, poultry, or pasta is 165°F (74°C) for 15 seconds. This temperature is essential to kill harmful bacteria and ensure food safety. Thermometers are vital tools for measuring the internal temperature of foods to ensure they reach the necessary temperature for safety. Failure in maintaining the proper temperature throughout cooking, storage, and reheating can result in the rapid multiplication of microorganisms, specifically between 40°F (4°C) and 140°F (60°C), increasing the likelihood of foodborne illness.