Safe Minimum Internal Temperature Chart
Safe steps in food handling, cooking, and storage are essential in preventing foodborne illness. You can't see, smell, or taste harmful bacteria that may cause illness. In every step of food preparation, follow the four guidelines to keep food safe:

• Clean—Wash hands and surfaces often.
• Separate—Separate raw meat from other foods.
• Cook—Cook to the right temperature.
• Chill—Refrigerate food promptly.

Cook all food to these minimum internal temperatures as measured with a food thermometer before removing food from the heat source. For reasons of personal preference, consumers may choose to cook food to higher temperatures.
Product
Minimum Internal Temperature & Rest Time

Beef, Pork, Veal & Lamb
Steaks, chops, roasts
145 °F (62.8 °C) and allow to rest for at least 3 minutes

Ground meats
160 °F (71.1 °C)

Ham, fresh or smoked (uncooked)
145 °F (62.8 °C) and allow to rest for at least 3 minutes

Fully Cooked Ham
(to reheat)
Reheat cooked hams packaged in USDA-inspected plants to 140 °F (60 °C) and all others to 165 °F (73.9 °C).

 
Product
Minimum Internal Temperature

All Poultry (breasts, whole bird, legs, thighs, wings, ground poultry, giblets, and stuffing)
165 °F (73.9 °C)

Eggs
160 °F (71.1 °C)

Fish & Shellfish
145 °F (62.8 °C)

Leftovers
165 °F (73.9 °C)

Casseroles
165 °F (73.9 °C)

 
 
Last Modified Oct 19, 2018
​