Here are the safe cooking temperatures you need to know for meat, poultry and fish

checking-meat-temp-min

While most of us wash our hands before meal prep and disinfect kitchen surfaces to avoid cross-contamination, we might forget to check the internal cooking temperatures of our meat, fish or poultry.

Sure, we might use a food thermometer when roasting a turkey, but many of us don’t know that we also have to use it to check burgers, chicken breasts and pork chops. With barbecue season right around the corner, it’s a smart idea to get a refresher on the safe internal cooking temperatures of popular meats.

Start by using a digital thermometer, which offers the best speed and accuracy. Insert it through the thickest part of the meat, all the way to the middle, not touching any bone. Check each piece separately.

Here are the safe cooking temperatures you need to know for meat, poultry and fish:

Poultry. Chicken, turkey and duck can cause food poisoning if they’re not properly stored, prepared and cooked, so always cook your poultry to a safe internal temperature to kill bacteria like Salmonella or Campylobacter bacteria. For ground poultry and pieces, that’s 74°C (165°F); for whole poultry, that’s 82°C (180°F).

Beef, veal and lamb. Raw ground meat can be especially dangerous as it can be contaminated with bacteria like E. coli. For medium rare, cook to 63°C (145°F); for medium, 71°C (160°F); and well done, 77°C (170°F). Ground meat should be cooked to 71°C (160°F). For burgers, insert food thermometer through the side of the patty.

Seafood. The main safety concern is associated with shellfish that are filter feeders (such as oysters, clams, scallops, mussels and cockles), as they can carry bacteria, viruses and toxins that can cause food-related illness. You’ll want to cook fish to an internal temperature of 70°C (158°F). When it comes to shellfish, cook to 74°C (165°F) and discard any that do not open when cooked.

Pork. Whether you’re cooking ham, pork loin or ribs, pieces or ground pork, they all need to be cooked to 71°C (160°F).

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Email
safest cities

Why Montreal is one of the safest cities to visit in 2025

If you’re planning a trip to Canada, Montreal has been ranked the sixth safest cities to travel to in 2025, according to a recent report by insurance company Berkshire Hathaway. When you break it down, Montreal’s safety is a combination of aspects that makes this city a favourite destination among safety-conscious travelers. Here’s a look

dermal fillers

The ultimate guide to dermal fillers: Are they worth it?

For decades now, dermal fillers have remained the go-to treatment for fighting the signs of aging, such as lines, wrinkles, and sagging. Apart from these, they are also extensively used to elevate some facial features by adding contour and volume to areas like lips, cheeks, and chin. Although the average cost of a dermal filler

Winnipeg’s Bold Commerce announces new PayPal integrations

Winnipeg’s Bold Commerce announces new PayPal integrations

Bold Commerce has built on its existing long-standing relationship with financial services platform PayPal. The firm has announced that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Canada currently using its OpenCart and Gravity Forms solutions will benefit from the integration of PayPal’s full payments suite. This includes digital wallets, Venmo, Fastlane, as well as its Buy

Montreal Bungee

Montreal Bungee jumping in the Old Port of Montreal

Get ready, Montreal! The team behind MTL Zipline is taking adrenaline to new heights with Montreal Bungee, a bold new attraction launching in Spring 2025. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Old Port, this is not just another thrill ride—it’s an experience that redefines adventure. Perched at the Convoyeur Tower, the tallest urban jump in Canada

Interpol notices

Understanding Interpol notices and their impact on legal cases

Interpol is the largest international organization facilitating cooperation among law enforcement agencies in over 190 countries. Its notices serve as tools for tracking suspects, locating missing persons, and pursuing international criminals. However, for ordinary citizens, encountering the Interpol system can be challenging and stressful, especially if the notice comes as a surprise. Such situations often

Mtltimes Subscription

The latest on what’s moving Montreal and the world – delivered straight to your inbox