Is It Safe to Eat a Burger That's Pink Inside? How to Check Proper Cooking

Learn if a pink burger is safe to eat and how to properly check its internal temperature for food safety.

Published

Video transcript

Is it OK if a burger is pink inside? Eating a burger that is pink inside can be risky if it hasn’t reached an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). Use a meat thermometer to check for this temperature to ensure harmful bacteria are killed. If properly cooked, a slight pinkness can be fine.

Questions and answers

  1. Why is my burger still pink inside after cooking?

    A burger can remain slightly pink inside if it has reached a safe internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). Pinkness alone doesn’t indicate undercooking if the temperature is adequate.

  2. What temperature should I cook a burger to ensure safety?

    Burgers should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) to kill harmful bacteria and ensure they are safe to eat.

  3. How can I accurately check if my burger is cooked safely?

    Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the burger to measure its internal temperature, ensuring it has reached 160°F (71°C).