Key takeaways
- Poultry 165°F; ground meats 160°F; whole cuts of beef, pork and lamb 145°F plus a 3-minute rest; fish 145°F.
- Keep the refrigerator at 40°F or below and the freezer at 0°F, and check with an appliance thermometer.
- Check a food thermometer in ice water: it should read 32°F.
The temperatures to remember
| Food | Temperature |
|---|---|
| Poultry (whole or ground) | 165°F (74°C) |
| Ground beef, pork and lamb | 160°F (71°C) |
| Beef, pork, lamb steaks, chops and roasts | 145°F (63°C) + 3-minute rest |
| Fish | 145°F (63°C) |
| Shellfish | Cook until flesh is opaque, or until shells open |
| Egg dishes (e.g., quiche) | 160°F (71°C) |
| Leftovers and casseroles | 165°F (74°C) |
FoodSafety.gov’s advice is simple: always use a food thermometer to check that meat, poultry and egg dishes have reached a safe minimum internal temperature.[1]
Is your fridge actually cold?
The FDA recommends keeping the refrigerator at or below 40°F and the freezer at 0°F. Most refrigerator dials do not show the real temperature, so the FDA suggests inexpensive freestanding appliance thermometers in both compartments, checked regularly.[2]
Check your thermometer in 30 seconds
What to look for when you shop
| Type | Best for | Look for |
|---|---|---|
| Instant-read digital | Quick checks of steaks, burgers, chicken | Thin probe tip; fast reading; readable display |
| Leave-in probe | Roasts, smokers, oven cooking | Heat-safe cable; alarm at target temperature |
| Dial (bimetal) | Budget backup | Calibration nut for adjustment |
| Appliance thermometer | Fridge and freezer | Range that covers 0°F and 40°F clearly |
Kitchen temperature kit
- One instant-read food thermometer
- One appliance thermometer each for fridge and freezer
- Fridge ≤ 40°F, freezer 0°F
- Ice-water check reads 32°F
- Poultry 165°F, ground meat 160°F, whole cuts 145°F + rest
Sources
Every figure in this guide comes from the official sources below. We summarize them in our own words; check the source for the full guidance.
- 1Safe Minimum Internal TemperaturesFoodSafety.gov (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services)
- 2Refrigerator Thermometers: Cold Facts about Food SafetyU.S. Food and Drug Administration
- 3Is Your Food Thermometer Accurate?Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (EatRight.org)
This guide is general consumer information, not medical, legal or professional advice. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your product. See our editorial policy and affiliate disclosure.
Photo: Robert Cwicinski on Unsplash
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