Answer :
It is important to cook food to high enough temperatures so that: Pathogens are reduced, and illness is prevented. Option D is correct.
Pathogen Destruction: Cooking food to sufficiently high temperatures is crucial because it effectively destroys harmful microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can cause foodborne illnesses. Pathogens such as Salmonella, E. coli, and Norovirus are vulnerable to heat. High-temperature cooking (often referred to as pasteurization or thermal processing) kills or significantly reduces the number of these pathogens, making the food safe to consume.
Food Safety: Cooking to the right temperature is a fundamental principle of food safety. It ensures that the food served is free from dangerous pathogens that can cause a wide range of foodborne illnesses, from mild stomach upsets to severe, potentially life-threatening diseases.
Options a, b, and c, while important in their own right, do not address the primary objective of cooking food at high temperatures, which is to protect human health by reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses associated with pathogenic microorganisms.
Cross-contamination can often be controlled through proper food handling and allergens managed through awareness and labeling, but thorough cooking remains the most effective method for pathogen prevention.
Hence, D. is the correct option.
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--The given question is incomplete, the complete question is
"It is important to cook food to high enough temperatures so that a) the possibility of cross-contamination is greatly reduced. b) food looks fully cooked when served to a guest. c) allergens are reduced to nontoxic levels. d) pathogens are reduced and illness is prevented."--