Cooking food to the correct temperature is essential for killing harmful microorganisms. Undercooked food can harbor bacteria and viruses that may lead to infections and other health issues. For example, cooking meat at high temperatures can reduce the risk of ingesting harmful bacteria. However, it is also important to avoid cooking methods that produce _carcinogenic_ substances, such as charred or burnt food, which can release _heterocyclic amines_ and _polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons_.
