Is It Safe to Eat Slightly Pink Pork? A Modern Food Safety Guide
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4 min read
According to the USDA, fresh pork can be safely cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F with a three-minute rest time, meaning a slightly pink center is perfectly acceptable. The old fear that demanded all pork be cooked until gray is largely outdated, thanks to modern farming practices that have virtually eliminated the risk of trichinosis. This shift in understanding means you can enjoy juicy, tender pork without compromising safety, as long as you rely on a meat thermometer rather than visual cues.