At what temperature should cooked ground beef reach to be safe to serve?

For ground beef to be considered safe to serve, it must reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). This temperature is crucial because ground beef can harbor harmful bacteria such as E. coli and Salmonella, which may be present in the meat. Cooking ground beef to this specific temperature effectively kills these pathogens, reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses.

The requirement is that the beef must be maintained at this temperature for at least 1 second for safety. This brief period is adequate to ensure that the heat penetrates the meat sufficiently to eliminate any harmful microorganisms. Understanding these temperature guidelines is vital for food safety, as they are based on scientific research regarding the destruction of pathogens in various types of food.