Using a food thermometer is the only way to make sure food is cooked to a safe temperature. It is not safe to say something is “done” just by looking at its color, or by how long it has been cooked.

Safe Minimum Cooking Temperatures¹

Extended text for visually impaired

What does "rest time" mean?

Some of the meat products above require a 3 minute "rest time." This refers to the time after the meat is removed from the grill, oven, or heat source, but before it is cut or sliced. Do not cut or slice meat until after this "rest time" is over. During this rest time, the internal temperature remains high. This is important to destroy harmful bacteria. ²

SAVE And Print

Download a printable version of this chart.

Sources: 

1. Safe Minimum Cooking Temperatures Charts. (2019, April 12). Retrieved from https://www.foodsafety.gov/food-safety-charts/safe-minimum-cooking-temperature

2. Van, D. (2020, June 22). Cooking Meat? Check the New Recommended Temperatures. USDA. www.usda.gov/media/blog/2011/05/25/cooking-meat-check-new-recommended-temperatures