What is the minimum internal cooking temperature for poultry?

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Multiple Choice

What is the minimum internal cooking temperature for poultry?

Explanation:
Poultry must reach a high enough internal temperature to reliably kill common pathogens like Salmonella and Campylobacter. The standard threshold is 165°F (74°C) measured in the thickest part of the meat, away from bone, to ensure every portion is safely cooked. For larger birds or mixed pieces, check multiple locations to confirm the heat has penetrated evenly. Once it hits 165°F, you can remove it from heat and let it rest briefly, since carryover cooking may raise the temperature a bit more. Temperatures lower than 165°F don’t guarantee safety for poultry, while higher temperatures are safe but can dry the meat.

Poultry must reach a high enough internal temperature to reliably kill common pathogens like Salmonella and Campylobacter. The standard threshold is 165°F (74°C) measured in the thickest part of the meat, away from bone, to ensure every portion is safely cooked. For larger birds or mixed pieces, check multiple locations to confirm the heat has penetrated evenly. Once it hits 165°F, you can remove it from heat and let it rest briefly, since carryover cooking may raise the temperature a bit more. Temperatures lower than 165°F don’t guarantee safety for poultry, while higher temperatures are safe but can dry the meat.

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