What is under cooking?

"Under cooking" refers to not cooking food long enough to reach a safe internal temperature, which is important for killing harmful bacteria and making food safe to eat.

Here's a breakdown:

What does "undercooked" mean?

* Food that is raw or partially cooked. This means the center of the food has not reached a safe temperature.

* It is not safe to eat. Undercooked food can contain harmful bacteria, such as Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria, which can cause food poisoning.

What are the risks of undercooked food?

* Food poisoning: The most common symptom is an upset stomach, but it can range from mild to severe, with symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and dehydration.

* Long-term health problems: In some cases, food poisoning can lead to serious complications, such as kidney failure or death.

How to avoid undercooking:

* Use a food thermometer: The only way to know if food is cooked through is to use a food thermometer.

* Follow recommended cooking times and temperatures: Different types of food require different cooking times and temperatures.

* Cook food thoroughly: Make sure that all parts of the food reach the recommended internal temperature.

Here are some common foods that are often undercooked:

* Poultry: Chicken, turkey, and duck must be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

* Ground meat: Beef, pork, and lamb must be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).

* Fish: Fish must be cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

* Eggs: Eggs should be cooked until the whites are firm and the yolks are no longer runny.

By following these tips, you can help to ensure that your food is cooked safely and that you are not at risk of food poisoning.