Cooking a turkey to the right temperature is crucial for ensuring food safety and achieving optimal taste and texture. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends cooking turkey to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius) as measured by a food thermometer.
Cooking turkey to the proper temperature helps to destroy harmful bacteria such as Salmonella and Campylobacter, which can cause foodborne illness. It also ensures that the turkey is cooked evenly throughout, resulting in tender and juicy meat. Additionally, cooking turkey to the correct temperature helps to prevent the meat from becoming dry and overcooked.