Where do you check the internal temperature of a patty?

The internal temperature of a patty should be checked in the center because this is the part that takes the longest to cook and is most indicative of whether the patty has reached a safe temperature for consumption. Cooking a patty fully ensures that harmful bacteria are killed, making it safe to eat. The center of the patty is where you will find the most accurate reflection of its overall cooking progress, as the heat travels from the exterior to the interior during cooking. This method helps ensure that the entire patty has been cooked appropriately, rather than just checking the parts that may be nearer to the heat source, such as on the grill surface or at the edges, where temperature can be misleading. Additionally, for foods with bones, such as whole chicken or certain cuts of meat, temperature should be checked near the bone due to the bone often retaining heat longer, which differs from assessing a patty.