If you think that every throw in of undercooked meat is the same, you’d be wrong.
Why Is Eating A Rare Steak Safer Than A Rare Burger?
“With steak, that’s a whole muscle.
The danger is not inside the steak.
Why Are Rare Burgers Less Safe To Eat?
Ground meat is more dangerous than a whole cut of steak because of how it is processed.
“I take that same steak [and] I grind it up.
Now those microorganisms are not on the surfacethey’re evenly distributed,” says Schneider.
When usingground beef, you better see to it it is properly cooked throughout, including the center.
This isn’t an issue if you are cooking the meat and breaking it up in a skillet.
Should You Use A Meat Thermometer?
Using a meat thermometer is the best way to know if your meat is cooked to a safe temperature.
TheUSDAstates the safe minimum internal temperature for burgers is 160F.
Schneider recommends cooking a burger to medium to minimize food safety risks.
TheUSDAstates the minimum internal temperature for a steak, pork, veal or lamb is 145F.
Schneider says it is safe to cook a steak medium-rare, if you prefer.
Is It Risky To Eat A Medium-Rare Burger?
The simple answer is yes.
“Technically, yes, they are risking it,” says Pryles.
“There are many meat scientists who will not eat a burger that is pink in the middle.”
Getting sick from eating a rare or medium-rare burger depends on a variety of factors.
The freshness of the meat and how quickly it is cooked play a key role.
The cleanliness of the kitchen is also a factor.
