To determine the minimum internal temperature that whole chicken breasts must reach, it is important to follow food safety guidelines to ensure that the meat is safe to consume. Proper cooking temperatures help eliminate harmful bacteria and pathogens that can cause foodborne illnesses.
According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the minimum internal temperature that chicken must reach to be safe to eat is 165°F (74°C). This temperature ensures that any harmful bacteria, such as Salmonella and Campylobacter, which are commonly found in poultry, are destroyed.
Given the options:
a. [tex]\(135^{\circ} F \left(57^{\circ} C\right)\)[/tex]
b. [tex]\(145^{\circ} F \left(63^{\circ} C\right)\)[/tex]
c. [tex]\(155^{\circ} F \left(68^{\circ} C\right)\)[/tex]
d. [tex]\(165^{\circ} F \left(74^{\circ} C\right)\)[/tex]
The correct answer is:
d. [tex]\(165^{\circ} F \left(74^{\circ} C\right)\)[/tex]
Therefore, the minimum internal temperature that the chicken breasts must reach is [tex]\(165^{\circ} F\)[/tex] (74°C).
