What is the ideal cooking temperature to eliminate E.coli in hamburgers?

The ideal cooking temperature to eliminate E. coli in hamburgers is 160 degrees Fahrenheit. At this temperature, the harmful bacteria are effectively killed, making the meat safe to consume. It is crucial to ensure that ground beef, including hamburgers, reaches this temperature throughout the entire patty to eliminate the risk of foodborne illnesses.

Other temperatures listed may be appropriate for different types of meats or preparations but do not reach the recommended temperature for ground beef. For instance, 145 degrees Fahrenheit is typically safe for whole cuts of beef, while temperatures above 160 are unnecessary for ensuring the safety of ground beef, as they may lead to overcooking. Thus, cooking hamburgers to at least 160 degrees Fahrenheit is a key food safety standard aimed at preventing E. coli infection.