Does pepporoni have to be cooked?

* Raw pepperoni is not safe to eat. It contains raw meat and is susceptible to bacteria like Salmonella and Listeria.

* Cooking pepperoni kills these harmful bacteria.

* The heat of cooking also brings out the flavor of the spices and cures used in pepperoni.

Here's how you can tell if pepperoni is cooked:

* Color: Cooked pepperoni will be a deep red or brown color.

* Texture: Cooked pepperoni will be firm and slightly chewy.

* Smell: Cooked pepperoni will have a savory, spicy aroma.

If you are unsure if pepperoni is cooked, it's always best to cook it thoroughly.