Thanksgiving food safety, turkey recipes, holiday ideas and moreChristmas holiday recipes, food safety tips, turkey recipes and moreEaster holiday ideas, Easter recipes, food safety, tips, for turkey, ham and more.Passover holiday tips, ideas, recipes and moreGrilling recipes, tips and food safety

Thanksgiving Recipes and Holiday Dinner Ideastips for your Thanksgiving DinnerThanksgiving Food Safety

questions and answers from the food professor for holiday meals, turkey, Pop Up® Timers, temperature, food safety and more.
Pop Up® Timers, temperature of turkey and other holiday meats, thermometer, recipes

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.