What are the safe internal temperatures for chicken and pork?

What are the safe internal temperatures for chicken and pork?

• A. Chicken: 165°F (74°C); Pork: 145°F (63°C) with a 3-minute rest.
• B. Chicken: 180°F; Pork: 160°F.
• C. Chicken: 145°F; Pork: 160°F.
• D. Chicken: 170°F; Pork: 150°F with a 2-minute rest.

Answer: (A)

Safe cooking temperatures kill harmful bacteria while keeping meat tender. For chicken, reach 165°F (74°C) all the way through. For pork, the current guideline is 145°F (63°C) with a 3-minute rest after removing it from heat, so the temperature stays elevated long enough to finish cooking and the juices redistribute for moisture. That’s why the best choice matches these standards: chicken at 165°F and pork at 145°F with a 3-minute rest. The other options push temperatures higher than necessary or omit the essential rest period, which can lead to overcooked meat or unsafe leftovers.

Safe cooking temperatures kill harmful bacteria while keeping meat tender. For chicken, reach 165°F (74°C) all the way through. For pork, the current guideline is 145°F (63°C) with a 3-minute rest after removing it from heat, so the temperature stays elevated long enough to finish cooking and the juices redistribute for moisture.

That’s why the best choice matches these standards: chicken at 165°F and pork at 145°F with a 3-minute rest. The other options push temperatures higher than necessary or omit the essential rest period, which can lead to overcooked meat or unsafe leftovers.