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.

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.