Question

Ground meat should be cooked to an internal temperature of ________ for at least 15 seconds.

A. 120°F (49°C)

B. 145°F (63°C)

C. 160°F (71°C)

D. 180°F (82°C)

Answer 1

Ground meat should be cooked to a safe internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for at least 15 seconds to kill harmful bacteria.

Step-by-step explanation:

Ground meat should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for at least 15 seconds to ensure safety and prevent foodborne diseases. This guideline is crucial for eliminating harmful bacteria that can proliferate rapidly if meat is kept in the danger zone between 40°F and 140°F (4°C and 60°C). Using a meat thermometer is the most reliable method to verify that the meat has reached a safe temperature.