Eating Safely
Frequently Asked Questions
7. What are the recommended cooking temperatures for foods?
Meat and poultry need to be cooked to certain temperatures to kill harmful bacteria. Cook these foods to the following safe minimum internal temperatures before removing them from the heat source. Use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of the food.
- All raw beef, pork, veal, and lamb steaks, roasts, and chops should be cooked to 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
- All raw ground beef, pork veal, and lamb should be cooked to 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
- All poultry, including ground poultry,should reach a minimum internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
If you prefer, you may, choose to cook meat to higher temperatures.
Seafood and eggs need to be cooked to certain temperatures to kill harmful bacteria. Cook these foods to the following safe minimum internal temperatures. Use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of the food.
- Seafood should be cooked to 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Egg dishes should be cooked to 160 degrees Fahrenheit. Eggs should be cooked until the yolk and white are firm.
- Leftovers should be reheated to 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
