Eating Well As You Get Older

Frequently Asked Questions

39. What are the recommended cooking temperatures for foods?

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Meat and poultry need to be cooked to certain temperatures to kill harmful bacteria. Cook these foods to the following safe internal temperatures. Use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of the food.

• Beef, veal, and lamb steaks, roasts, and chops should be cooked to 145°F.
• Ground beef, veal, and lamb should be cooked to 160°F.
• Pork should be cooked to 160°F  
• All poultry should reach a minimum internal temperature of 165°F.

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