When cooking, grilling or even smoking, never rely on just how the food looks. If you have a thick piece of meat, like a steak, the exterior can look like it is done while the internal temperature is still not safe to eat.
Always confirm that the meat has been cooked to its minimum safe temperature. If you don’t ensure that the food you are cooking has reached its minimum safe temperature prior to eating it you could find yourself getting very sick.
What Is the Minimum Cooking Temperature for Ground Meat?
Ground meat, such as beef, pork, veal and lamb, have a minimum internal temperature of 160 degrees (F).
What Is the Minimum Cooking Temperature for Chicken and Turkey?
Turkey and chicken should have a minimum cooking temperature of 165 degrees (F).
What Is the Minimum Cooking Temperature for Beef, Veal and Lamb?
Fresh beef, veal and lamb, such as steaks, roasts and chops, have a safe minimum internal temperature of 145 degrees (F).
What Is the Minimum Cooking Temperature for Poultry?
All poultry, such as breasts, legs, thighs, wings, giblet and even whole chicken or ground chicken, must have a minimum temperature of 165 degrees (F).
What Is the Minimum Cooking Temperature for Pork and Ham?
Pork and ham need to reach an internal temperature of 145 degrees (F).
What Is the Minimum Cooking Temperature for Eggs?
The internal temperature of eggs should be 165 degrees if they are in some kind of dish, dough or batter. Eggs themselves should be cooked until the yolk and white are firm.
What Is the Minimum Cooking Temperature of Fish?
The minimum internal temperature of fish should be 145 degrees (F) or opaque in which it should be easily separated with a fork.
What Is the Minimum Cooking Temperature of Shrimp, Lobster, Crab and Scallops?
Shrimp, lobster, crab and scallops, are more or less cooked until the flesh is pearly or white and or opaque
How to Tell If Clams, Oysters or Mussels Are Cooked?
Clams, oyster or mussels are simply cooked until shells open.
Other Raw Food Handling Tips
Outside of cooking to the safe minimum temperature it is also important to handle raw, uncooked food properly. It is always best to follow safe food handling practices along with cooking and storing it which will prevent any food borne illnesses or poisoning.
Always use antibacterial wipes or soap to clean any surface that may have come in contact with raw meat of any kind. I personally use Lysol Bacteria wipes.
These are super easy to just grab and quickly wipe the surface and then toss. I recommend even wiping the lay down spot where you set the meat prior to throwing it on the actual grill.
All information on minimum safe temperatures and safe handling were found here which was last updated April 12, 2019.
Ben has a bachelor’s degree in construction engineering. When not constructing or remodeling X-Ray Rooms, Cardiovascular Labs, and Pharmacies, you can find him at home with wife and two daughters. Outside of family, He loves grilling and barbequing on his Big Green Egg and Blackstone Griddle, as well as working on projects around the house.
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