What is the main purpose of cooking foods to a specified temperature?

The main purpose of cooking foods to a specified temperature is to kill harmful microorganisms that can cause foodborne illnesses. Cooking food to the appropriate internal temperature ensures that pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites are effectively destroyed. This is crucial for food safety, as many of these microorganisms are not visible to the naked eye and can lead to severe health risks if ingested.

While enhancing flavor, improving appearance, and maintaining texture are important aspects of food preparation, they do not address the primary concern of food safety. Cooking is fundamentally about making food safe to eat, and proper cooking temperatures are essential in achieving this by ensuring that the food is safe from harmful microorganisms.