Tue, 05 May 2026 13:25:07 +0000

Does Your Pork Internal Temp Hide a Deadly Secret? Uncovering the Truth Behind Safe Cooking Temperatures When it comes to cooking pork, many home cooks are increasingly aware: a proper internal temperature isn’t just about flavor—it’s a critical safety measure. But does your pork internal temp really reveal a “deadly secret”? In short, yes—under-standing and monitoring pork’s internal temperature isn’t just good practice; in some cases, it’s essential to prevent foodborne illness. Here’s what every home chef should know about safe cooking temperatures and why they matter. ### The Danger of Undercooked Pork Raw pork can harbor Trichinella spiralis, a parasite responsible for trichinosis, and bacteria such as Salmonella and Listeria. While modern farming and processing practices have greatly reduced contamination risks, safe cooking remains the ultimate safeguard. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends cooking pork to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) with a three-minute rest time to safely kill harmful pathogens.