At what internal temperature should burger patties be cooked?

Cooking burger patties to an internal temperature of 160°F is crucial for ensuring food safety. This temperature is recommended because it is sufficient to eliminate harmful bacteria that can be present in ground beef, such as E. coli and Salmonella. Cooking meat to this temperature not only reduces the risk of foodborne illnesses but also helps to retain the quality and juiciness of the burger.

While lower temperatures may vary in taste and tenderness, they do not guarantee that harmful pathogens have been eradicated. Therefore, 160°F is established as the safe minimum cooking temperature for ground beef, making it the correct choice for this question. This standard aligns with food safety guidelines issued by health organizations, emphasizing the importance of cooking meat to a safe temperature before serving.