80 percent don't use thermometer on meat

ROCHESTER, N.Y., Sept. 1 (UPI) -- Nine out of 10 U.S. adults cook burgers, but only 19 percent say they use a thermometer to determine if the burgers are safely cooked, a U.S. survey indicates.

The survey, commissioned by the American Meat Institute and conducted by Harris Interactive, indicates 73 percent of adults who cook hamburgers or poultry burgers incorrectly rely on sight to determine doneness and 57 percent incorrectly rely on cooking time.

Only 13 percent of adults ages 18-34 who cook hamburgers or poultry burgers -- many of whom may prepare food for small children at home -- use an instant-read thermometer to determine doneness when cooking hamburgers or poultry burgers.

"Meat and poultry companies use many food safety strategies to make our products as safe as we can, and it is our responsibility to empower our customers with the information that they need to ensure that the products are safe when served," Janet Riley, senior vice president of public affairs at the American Meat Institute, says in a statement. "Our poll reveals that a significant knowledge gap still exists about proper cooking temperatures and thermometer use. U.S. meat and poultry products are among the safest in the world, but like all raw agricultural products, they can contain bacteria, and that is why it is important to take time to remind consumers about safe handling and cooking practices."

The survey was conducted Aug. 16-18, among 2,112 U.S. adults. No margin of error was provided.