Fri, 17 Apr 2026 20:22:39 +0000

194°F Is the Secret Temperature That Makes Pork Safe—Don’t Ignore It! Cooking pork safely isn’t just about visual cues or traditional methods—it’s about precision, and that secret temperature matters more than you might think: 194°F (90°C). Ignoring this critical threshold puts your meal—and health—at risk. Here’s why terminal pork temperature at 194°F is non-negotiable for safety. ### Why 194°F Is the Critical Temperature for Pork Safety Pork contains parasites and bacteria, most notably Trichinella spiralis and Salmonella, that can cause severe illness if not fully eliminated. Unlike beef or poultry, pork must reach a specific internal temperature to destroy pathogens and ensure doneness. The USDA and food safety experts agree: 194°F (90°C) is the minimum temperature required to kill harmful microbes safely when cooking pork.