Can You Safely Eat Pork at 140 Degrees Fahrenheit?

Yes, you can safely eat pork cooked to an internal temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit (60 degrees Celsius), provided that it is held at that temperature for at least 3 minutes. This is according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), which has revised its recommendations for safe pork cooking temperatures in recent years.

The Science Behind Safe Pork Consumption

The primary concern with eating pork is the potential presence of a parasite called Trichinella spiralis. This parasite can cause a condition called trichinosis, which can lead to a variety of symptoms, including fever, muscle pain, nausea, and vomiting.

Trichinella spiralis is killed when pork is cooked to an internal temperature of 137 degrees Fahrenheit (58.3 degrees Celsius) for at least 3 minutes. However, the USDA recommends cooking pork to a slightly higher temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit (60 degrees Celsius) to provide a margin of safety.

Recommended Cooking Temperatures for Pork

The USDA recommends the following cooking temperatures for pork:

• Whole muscle cuts (such as loin, chops, and roasts): 145 degrees Fahrenheit (63 degrees Celsius) with a 3-minute rest time
• Ground pork: 160 degrees Fahrenheit (71 degrees Celsius)

Tips for Cooking Pork Safely

To ensure that your pork is cooked safely, follow these tips:

• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the pork. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat, avoiding any bones.
• Cook the pork to the recommended internal temperature and hold it at that temperature for at least 3 minutes.
• Let the pork rest for 3 minutes before carving and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful dish.

Additional Information

• Pork tenderloin: Pork tenderloin is a lean cut of meat that is often cooked to a slightly lower internal temperature than other pork cuts. The USDA recommends cooking pork tenderloin to an internal temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit (60 degrees Celsius) with a 3-minute rest time.
• Pregnant women and people with compromised immune systems: Pregnant women and people with compromised immune systems should cook pork to an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit (71 degrees Celsius) to ensure their safety.
• Sous vide cooking: Sous vide cooking is a method of cooking food in a vacuum-sealed bag in a temperature-controlled water bath. When cooking pork sous vide, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to ensure that the pork reaches the recommended internal temperature.

You can safely eat pork cooked to an internal temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit (60 degrees Celsius), provided that it is held at that temperature for at least 3 minutes. By following the USDA’s recommended cooking temperatures and tips, you can enjoy delicious and safe pork dishes.