What is a common method for ensuring that food is cooked to safe temperatures?

Using a food thermometer is a common and reliable method for ensuring that food is cooked to safe temperatures. It allows for precise measurement of the internal temperature of foods, which is crucial for eliminating harmful bacteria and ensuring that the food is safe to eat. Food thermometers provide an accurate reading that is vital in determining whether food has reached the temperature needed to reduce risk of foodborne illnesses.

Reliance on visual inspection of the food’s color can be misleading, as some foods may appear fully cooked but still harbor pathogens. Tasting a small portion is not a safe practice for determining doneness because it risks exposure to harmful bacteria. Additionally, cooking for a specified time alone does not guarantee safety because different types and sizes of food may require different temperatures to fully eliminate foodborne pathogens. Hence, the use of a food thermometer remains the best practice for ensuring food safety.