Michigan Food Safety Management Practice Test

What type of foods should be cooked to a minimal internal temperature of 165 Degrees?

1. Beef and Pork

2. Poultry and stuffed meats

3. Fish and unpasteurized eggs

4. Tenderized meat and exotic game

The correct answer is: Poultry and stuffed meats

Cooking poultry and stuffed meats to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit is crucial for food safety. This temperature is necessary to effectively kill harmful bacteria, such as Salmonella and Campylobacter, which are commonly associated with poultry. Stuffed meats present an additional risk because the stuffing can trap bacteria, so achieving this high temperature ensures that the heat penetrates both the meat and the stuffing, reducing the risk of foodborne illness. While other types of foods have their own safe cooking temperatures, they do not share the same critical 165 degrees Fahrenheit benchmark for safety. For example, beef and pork are typically safe when cooked to lower temperatures, depending on the cut and preparation method. Similarly, fish and unpasteurized eggs have their own specific guidelines, which are generally less than 165 degrees Fahrenheit, and tenderized meats and exotic game also fall under different safety requirements. Understanding these specific temperature guidelines is essential for ensuring that all foods are prepared safely and reduce the risk of illness.