Food temperature guidelines

Cook food properly and lower your family's risk

Many cases of foodborne illness (otherwise known as 'food poisoning') could be prevented every year with one simple tool: a food thermometer. Cooking food kills harmful bacteria. Different foods require different temperatures to kill all pathogenic bacteria. Knowing what temperature your food needs to reach -- and checking it with a good, working food thermometer -- is key.

What temperature should my food be cooked to?

When preparing meats and other foods, follow the guidelines below to ensure it's cooked to a safe internal temperature:

How to use a food thermometer

• Use a digital food thermometer that gives an actual temperature reading, not just a range.
• When you think the food is done, move it away from the heat before checking the temperature.
• Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the food and away from any fat or bones.
• If cooking patties, insert the digital food thermometer through the side into the middle of the patty.
• Do not use dial thermometers in thinner pieces of food. These are designed for thicker foods, like roasts and casseroles, and can stay in the food while it's cooking in the oven.
• Wash the thermometer's stem with soap and warm water after every use. Bacteria in raw or undercooked meat, poultry or seafood juices can contaminate other food.
• Only use disposable temperature indicators (ones that change colour when the proper temperature is reached) one-time only -- and just for the specific foods indicated on the thermometer packaging.

Better accuracy for safer eating

A lot of people swear by old kitchen tips and tricks that have been passed down for generations. However, many of these are not reliable -- and using them could expose your family to foodborne illnesses.

Can I tell if meat is cooked by cutting it open and looking at it?

No! The only way to be sure is to use a food thermometer. For example, the inside colour of a hamburger and its juices are not reliable indicators of how well the burger is cooked. Sometimes previously frozen ground beef turns brown well before it reaches a safe internal temperature.

Do I have to overcook my food to make it safe to eat?

No! Using a food thermometer allows you to cook your food to exactly the right temperature. That means no more guessing -- and no more accidentally overcooking your food!

Microwave ovens and food temperature safety

Microwave ovens are quick and convenient, but when used improperly they can potentially cause food-related illnesses. Follow these safety guidelines to ensure your microwaved meal turns out right:

• Microwaves can cook food unevenly. Use a thermometer (preferably digital) to check many pieces of food to ensure they have reached a safe internal temperature (i.e., no cold spots).
• Defrost food completely before cooking it in a microwave oven. Frozen or thawed portions in the same food can lead to uneven cooking.
• Cut food into smaller pieces and arrange evenly on the dish for more even cooking.
• Cover, rotate and stir food several times to ensure heat is distributed evenly.
• Debone larger pieces of meat or poultry. Bones can cause uneven cooking.
• Place thicker portions of meat, poultry or seafood around the outside of the dish.
• Cook larger pieces of meat, poultry or seafood for a longer period of time, but at 50% power. This allows heat to penetrate further into the meat without overcooking the outer portions.
• Allow for standing time.