Preparation & CookingQuestion 170 of 320
What is the minimum internal cooking temperature for cheese-stuffed pasta shells that contain no meat?
a.165°F for 15 seconds, because stuffed pasta must reach the same temperature as stuffing and stuffed foods
b.155°F for 17 seconds, the same as ground meats
c.145°F for 15 seconds, the same as seafood
d.135°F, the same as vegetables for hot holding
Explanation
Stuffed foods and stuffing, including stuffed pasta, must be cooked to 165°F for 15 seconds. The dense interior heats slowly and can shelter pathogens, so the highest cooking standard applies regardless of whether the filling contains meat.
Law Reference: FDA Food Code §3-401.11Practice all 320 questions free — no signup required.
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