Answer :
Final answer:
Intact beef muscle can be served raw or undercooked if it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F, measured with a food thermometer.The correct option is 1. Intact beef muscle, 145 degrees F.
Explanation:
Raw or undercooked steak must indeed be an intact beef muscle to be served at a lower temperature, as ground beef and other forms of processed meats have a different set of guidelines. In terms of temperature, whole cuts of beef, such as steaks, should be cooked to a safe minimum internal temperature of 145°F and allowed to rest for at least 3 minutes before serving, which enables the heat to continue to destroy any potentially harmful bacteria.
To ensure that the food has reached a safe internal temperature, it's crucial to use a food thermometer, as visual indicators like color are not reliable. This practice also applies to other types of meat and poultry, with ground meats requiring an internal temperature of 160°F and all poultry needing to reach 165°F to be considered safe for consumption. These temperatures are essential to reduce the risk of foodborne illness.
