Texas Food Safety Managers Practice Test

What is the minimum internal temperature raw animal food must reach when cooked in a microwave oven?

1. 165°F

2. 150°F

3. 180°F

4. 98.6°F

The correct answer is: 165°F

When cooking raw animal food in a microwave oven, it is essential that the food reaches a minimum internal temperature of 165°F. This temperature is crucial for ensuring that harmful bacteria, such as Salmonella and E. coli, which can be present in raw poultry, beef, pork, and other meats, are effectively killed. Achieving this temperature helps reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses. Microwave cooking can sometimes lead to uneven heating, creating hot and cold spots that may not reach the necessary temperatures throughout the food. Therefore, it is vital to ensure the entire portion of the food has achieved the minimum internal temperature to ensure safe consumption. While other temperatures listed may relate to food cooking or safety, they do not meet the established guideline for the safe minimum internal temperature for microwaving raw animal products. Thus, obtaining an internal temperature of 165°F is the standard to adhere to in order to maintain food safety and prevent the risk of foodborne illnesses.