What temperature should ground meats be cooked to for safety?

Ground meats should be cooked to a minimum temperature of 160°F to ensure food safety. This temperature is crucial because ground meats, such as beef, pork, and poultry, can harbor harmful bacteria throughout the meat. When meat is ground, any bacteria that may have been present on the surface of the meat can become mixed throughout the product, increasing the risk of foodborne illnesses.

Cooking ground meats to 160°F effectively kills harmful pathogens like Salmonella and E. coli that can cause serious health issues. It's important to use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature, as color and texture are not reliable indicators of safety. Achieving this specific temperature ensures that the ground meat is safe to eat while preserving its quality and flavor.

Other temperatures listed, while safe for certain types of meat or food items, do not adequately ensure the safety of ground meats. For example, whole cuts of meat may be safe at lower temperatures due to their structure, but ground meats require higher cooking temperatures to account for the bacteria distribution throughout.