What is a common sign that food may be undercooked when grilling?

A common sign that food may be undercooked, particularly meats like chicken or pork, is the presence of a pink or red color within the meat after grilling. This discoloration indicates that the internal temperature of the food has not reached a safe level to destroy harmful bacteria, which can lead to foodborne illnesses.

When meat is fully cooked, it should typically have a consistent color throughout that reflects the cooking process, indicating that the heat has penetrated deeply enough. Thus, if you cut into the meat and see pink or red shades, it suggests that it may still be raw or not cooked to the recommended internal temperature. This focus on visual cues helps ensure that the food is safe to consume and properly cooked.