AAA Food Manager Certification Practice Test

What minimum temperature should pork be cooked at?

1. 145 degrees F

2. 155 degrees F

3. 165 degrees F

4. 175 degrees F

The correct answer is: 145 degrees F

Pork should be cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature is essential to ensure that any harmful bacteria, such as Trichinella spiralis, which is associated with undercooked pork, are effectively killed. Cooking pork to this temperature, followed by a rest time of at least three minutes, allows for the meat to reach a safe temperature throughout, ensuring it is safe to eat while still maintaining moisture and tenderness. Cooking pork to a temperature higher than 145 degrees may lead to loss of juiciness and potentially tough texture. Higher temperature options are typically recommended for ground pork or for specific dishes that may require cooked meat products to reach a different level of doneness for safety or culinary reasons.