Starbucks Food Safety Practice Exam

What is the primary way to prevent trichinosis?

1. Cooking pork to a high temperature

2. Freezing pork for several days

3. Avoiding all pork consumption

4. Washing pork thoroughly

The correct answer is: Cooking pork to a high temperature

The primary way to prevent trichinosis is by cooking pork to a high temperature. Trichinosis is caused by a parasite called Trichinella, which can contaminate undercooked pork. When pork is cooked to an internal temperature of at least 145°F (63°C) and allowed to rest for three minutes, it effectively kills any Trichinella larvae that may be present. This method is crucial, as proper cooking destroys harmful pathogens and significantly reduces the risk of foodborne illnesses, including trichinosis. In contrast, while freezing pork can kill some parasitic larvae, it's not a universally effective method for all strains of Trichinella, as certain strains can survive freezing at typical home freezer temperatures. Avoiding all pork consumption is an extreme measure and not necessary as long as safe cooking practices are followed. Washing pork thoroughly, while a good hygiene practice, does not eliminate the risk of trichinosis since cooking is the only reliable method to kill the parasite. Thus, understanding the importance of cooking pork properly is key to preventing this illness.