Food Temperature Guidelines
The following guidelines will help determine when food has come to the right temperature for both safety and the best flavor. Use an instant-read thermometer, a conventional thermometer to test for temperature. Insert the thermometer in the thickest part of the meat, away from the bone. Some foods contain a Pop Up® Timer inserted at the processing plant, and these work well, too.
| Food |
Internal Cooked Temperature (°F.) |
| Beef, Veal, Lamb |
 |
| Roasts and steaks |
 |
Medium rare |
145° |
Medium |
160° |
Well done |
160° |
Ground meat |
160° |
Raw sausages |
160° |
Ready-to-eat sausages |
165° |
| Pork |
 |
Roasts and chops |
 |
Medium |
160° |
Well done |
170° |
| Poultry |
 |
Whole bird, legs, thighs & wings |
180° |
Ground |
165° |
Chicken and turkey breasts |
170° |
Stuffing |
165° |
| Fish |
Cook until flakes easily with a fork |
| Leftovers |
Reheat to 165° at the thickest part |
| Eggs |
Cook until both the white and the yolk are firm |
Egg dishes |
160° |
For more information: Check the Meat and Poultry Hotline, U.S. Department of Agriculture: 800-535-4555 www.fsis.usda.gov, The U.S. Food and Drug Administration Food Information Hotline: 888-SAFE-FOOD www.cfsan.fda.gov.