Final answer:
The minimum internal cooking temperature for poultry is 165°F to ensure food safety by killing harmful bacteria. A meat thermometer should be used to verify that this temperature has been reached.
Step-by-step explanation:
The minimum internal cooking temperature for poultry is 165°F. This temperature ensures that any harmful bacteria present in the poultry are killed, making the food safe to eat. The range between 40°F and 140°F is known as the danger zone for microbial growth, so it is critical for health and safety to cook poultry to at least 165°F. Using a meat thermometer is the best way to verify that the correct internal temperature has been reached. This applies whether cooking in an oven, on a grill, in a smoker, or even in a pressure cooker that can reach temperatures as high as 252°F.
The minimum internal cooking temperature for poultry is 165°F (degrees Fahrenheit).
This temperature is recommended by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to ensure that poultry is cooked thoroughly and any harmful bacteria, such as Salmonella, are killed.
Cooking poultry to this temperature helps prevent foodborne illnesses and ensures food safety.