Question

Why must meat be cooked to its minimum internal temperature? A. At this temperature, harmful allergens in the meat are destroyed. B. At this temperature, harmful bacteria in the meat are destroyed. C. At this temperature, the meat will not become too dry. D. At this temperature, chemicals from packing and storage are destroyed.

Answer 1

Meat must be cooked to its minimum internal temperature because at this temperature, harmful bacteria in the meat are destroyed (Option B).

Explanation:

Raw meat is a rich source of many nutrients and proteins.

However, it can also harbor many harmful microorganisms like Camplylobacter sp., E. coli sp., Salmonella, Listeria, etc., which cause several food-borne infections that can prove to be fatal.

Hence, it is important to cook meat at its minimum safe internal temperature which can kill these pathogenic microorganisms and make meat safe for consumption.