How can you tell if food has been cooked to a safe temperature?

Using a food thermometer is the most reliable way to determine if food has been cooked to a safe temperature. Different types of food have specific minimum internal temperatures that must be reached in order to ensure that harmful bacteria are killed, which helps prevent foodborne illnesses. A food thermometer provides an accurate measurement of the internal temperature, ensuring the food is safe to eat.

Relying solely on the color of the food or its appearance can be misleading, as some foods can appear cooked while still harboring harmful pathogens. Similarly, the smell of food is not a dependable indicator of safety since some pathogens do not affect the smell, taste, or appearance. Therefore, to ensure food safety, using a food thermometer is essential for accurate temperature measurement.