Are safe temperatures for meat scientifically measured or empirical? For example 165°F/74°C for poultry. If they are scientifically measured, how are they determined?

Question

Are safe temperatures for meat scientifically measured or empirical? For example 165°F/74°C for poultry. If they are scientifically measured, how are they determined?

In: Biology

Answer 1

They’re empirical-ish, with a bit of leeway to account for measurement and human error. They’re based on the temperatures that will quickly kill the potential illness-causing bacteria or parasites that are typically present in each type of meat.