How can you tell if food is cooked thoroughly?

1. Color Change

For meat, like beef, chicken, and pork, the color should change from pink to fully white or brown. Raw meat is usually pink or reddish, and thorough cooking eliminates the pink color. Ground meat, such as hamburger, should also be cooked until there are no more pink areas throughout.

2. Texture

Cooked meat and fish have a firmer texture compared to raw meat, which is softer and more pliable. Poke the meat with a fork or knife to check if it feels solid and resists tearing easily.

3. Clear Juices

When cooked properly, meat and poultry should produce clear juices when pierced. If the juices run pink or red, the meat requires further cooking.

4. Internal Temperature

The most precise way to determine if food has been cooked thoroughly is by measuring the internal temperature using a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the food, and compare the reading to the recommended safe internal temperatures:

- Beef, veal, and lamb (steaks, chops, roasts): 145°F (63°C)

- Ground beef, pork, veal, and lamb: 160°F (71°C)

- Pork (chops, roasts): 145°F (63°C) followed by a 3-minute rest time

- Chicken (whole, breasts, thighs, wings): 165°F (74°C)

- Turkey (whole, breasts, thighs): 165°F (74°C)

- Fish: 145°F (63°C)

5. Steam and Consistency

For foods like vegetables or dumplings, look for steaming when they're cooking. Properly cooked vegetables should be crisp-tender, not too mushy. Grain products, such as pasta or rice, should be tender but not overcooked and mushy.

Remember that cooking times can vary depending on the food type, thickness, and cooking method, so it's always a good idea to check for these signs to ensure thorough cooking.