A food temperature safety chart shows the minimum internal cooking temperatures recommended by the USDA for safe consumption. Color and texture are unreliable indicators — a meat thermometer is the only accurate way to verify safety.
How to Check Internal Food Temperature
An instant-read thermometer is the most important food safety tool in your kitchen. It takes 2-3 seconds to verify a temperature that eliminates guesswork entirely.
Thermometer Placement
Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat, avoiding bone, fat, or gristle. For poultry, check the inner thigh near the body. For whole roasts, check the geometric center. For thin items like burgers, insert from the side.
Rest Time After Cooking
Most meats continue to rise 5-10°F after being removed from heat (carryover cooking). Pull beef and pork at 5-10°F below the target temperature. Poultry has minimal carryover — pull at exactly 165°F. Always rest under foil tent.
The Danger Zone
Bacteria multiply rapidly between 40°F (4°C) and 140°F (60°C). Don't leave cooked food in this temperature range for more than 2 hours (1 hour above 90°F/32°C ambient temperature).
FAQ
What temperature is safe for cooked chicken?
165°F (74°C) for all poultry — whole birds, parts, and ground poultry. There is no lower 'resting' temperature for poultry; verify with a thermometer in the thickest part away from the bone.
What is the safe temperature for ground beef?
160°F (71°C) for all ground beef and ground meats. Grinding exposes more surface area to potential contamination, requiring a higher temperature than whole cuts.
Can I eat steak at medium rare (130°F)?
For whole intact steaks, medium rare (130-135°F) is considered safe because bacteria are on the exterior surfaces, which reach much higher temperatures during cooking. The USDA's 145°F recommendation includes a safety margin.
What temperature should leftovers be reheated to?
All leftovers should be reheated to 165°F (74°C) throughout. Soups and sauces should be brought to a boil. This kills bacteria that may have grown during storage.
Is this chart free?
Yes, completely free.