Starbucks Food Safety Practice Exam

What is the correct cooking temperature for poultry?

1. 165°F

2. 150°F

3. 158°F

4. 145°F

The correct answer is: 165°F

The correct cooking temperature for poultry is crucial for ensuring food safety, as it is necessary to kill harmful bacteria like Salmonella and Campylobacter that can cause foodborne illnesses. Cooking poultry to a minimum internal temperature of 165°F effectively ensures that it is safe to eat, as this temperature is sufficient to eliminate pathogens that may be present in the meat. While temperatures like 150°F, 158°F, and 145°F might be safe for other types of meat or specific cooking methods with appropriate hold times, they do not guarantee the same level of safety for poultry. Poultry requires that higher temperature of 165°F to ensure all potential bacteria are killed. Following this guideline is essential for maintaining food safety standards in any setting, especially in food service environments like Starbucks.