Basic Rules
Cook it Well!
Buying a cooking thermometer is a good idea. Use the thermometer to make sure you have cooked meat and poultry long enough to kill bacteria.
- Cook most meat (ground, game, pork) to at least 160 degrees Fahrenheit to kill bacteria. Do not eat meatloaf or hamburgers if they are still pink inside.
- Poultry should be cooked without stuffing to 165 degrees Fahrenheit for doneness. Make sure poultry meat and the juices are no longer pink.
- Cook roasts and steaks to at least 145 degrees Fahrenheit. Cook roasts and steaks to 160 degrees Fahrenheit (medium) if they have been pierced or tenderized.
- Cook eggs until the white and yolk are firm. Do not use raw eggs or partially cooked eggs in recipes.
- Cook white fish until it is milky and flakes easily with a fork. Cook clams until they look milky-white.
Move on to Cool it Soon! to learn more about how to cool foods down quickly.
