Which category of food commonly requires thorough cooking to prevent illness?

• A. Beef
• B. Fruits
• C. Poultry
• D. Fish

Answer: (C)

Poultry must be cooked thoroughly to prevent illness because raw poultry commonly harbors bacteria such as Salmonella and Campylobacter that can cause serious foodborne illness. To ensure safety, poultry needs to reach a safe internal temperature throughout the meat, and the standard target is 165°F (74°C). Relying on how the meat looks or tastes isn’t reliable—use a calibrated thermometer and check the thickest part of the meat, away from bone, in all areas.

This is why poultry is singled out for thorough cooking in cooking safety guidelines. Beef can be eaten at various doneness levels, fruits are often eaten raw, and fish can be served raw in some preparations, which is why they don’t require uniform thorough cooking in all cases.