Food Manager Practice Exam

What is the minimum cooking temperature required to effectively kill trichinella in pork?

1. 130 degrees F

2. 145 degrees F

3. 160 degrees F

4. 170 degrees F

The correct answer is: 145 degrees F

The minimum cooking temperature required to effectively kill trichinella in pork is 145 degrees F. This temperature ensures that the meat reaches a sufficient internal heat that kills the trichinella larvae, which can lead to trichinosis if consumed alive. Cooking pork to this temperature is part of food safety practices aimed at preventing foodborne illnesses. While higher temperatures, such as 160 degrees F or 170 degrees F, will also kill trichinella, the Food Safety and Inspection Service has determined that 145 degrees F is the minimum required to ensure safety without compromising the quality of the pork. Cooking meat to 145 degrees F followed by a rest time allows residual heat to continue cooking the meat and increases safety, as well as contributing to maintaining a juicier product. Therefore, 145 degrees F is recognized as the safe minimum cooking temperature for pork to adequately kill trichinella.