What is the primary reason for cooking food?

Cooking food primarily serves to kill harmful pathogens that can cause foodborne illnesses. This process involves raising the internal temperature of the food to a level that is high enough to destroy bacteria, viruses, and parasites that may be present. Foodborne pathogens, if ingested, can lead to serious health issues, so cooking is a critical step in ensuring food safety.

While enhancing flavor and presentation, preserving food, and improving texture and consistency are important aspects of cooking, they are secondary to the fundamental purpose of eliminating harmful microorganisms. Proper cooking temperatures and times are essential in achieving this, making it crucial for anyone handling food to be knowledgeable about safe cooking practices.