What cooking requirement is typically mandated for food on children's menus?

The cooking requirement that is typically mandated for food on children's menus is that it should be cooked well done. This practice is primarily focused on food safety, as young children are more vulnerable to foodborne illnesses. Cooking food to well done ensures that any harmful bacteria, such as E. coli or Salmonella, are effectively killed, reducing the risk of infection.

Menu items served to children commonly include meats like hamburgers or chicken, which need to reach a specific internal temperature to ensure they are safe to eat. By adhering to well done cooking standards, restaurants help protect the health of their young customers, following guidelines set forth by health authorities regarding food safety for vulnerable populations.

Other choices, such as cooking to medium, rare, or serving raw, do not meet the safety standards recommended for children's meals and could increase the risk of foodborne illnesses, making well-done cooking the most appropriate requirement.