What is the minimum internal cooking temperature for TCS animal foods cooked in a microwave?

The minimum internal cooking temperature for TCS (Time/Temperature Control for Safety) animal foods cooked in a microwave is 165°F for 15 seconds. This temperature is critical because it ensures that harmful pathogens that may be present in the food are effectively killed, providing food safety and reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses.

When cooking in a microwave, it is important to reach this specific temperature to ensure that all parts of the food are heated evenly and to the proper level. The nature of microwave cooking, which can lead to uneven heating, makes it particularly vital to follow this guideline to ensure food safety. This minimum temperature aligns with food safety practices that recognize the need for thorough cooking to deal with potential contaminants in animal products.

While lower temperatures may be sufficient for other cooking methods, the microwave's potential for uneven cooking necessitates a higher standard, hence the recommendation of 165°F for at least 15 seconds. Adhering to this temperature helps maintain food safety standards across various cooking environments.