Food & cooking · Food safety
Food safe temperature chart.
The minimum internal temperature for each food from Health Canada, in Celsius and Fahrenheit. Type your thermometer reading to check it.
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Safe internal temperature chart
| Group | Food | Health Canada | USDA |
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What temperature is safe to eat?
Cook to the minimum internal temperature in the middle of the thickest part, measured with a food thermometer. Colour is not a reliable guide. Health Canada gives 74 C (165 F) for poultry pieces, ground poultry, stuffing, egg dishes and leftovers, 71 C (160 F) for ground meat and pork, 82 C (180 F) for a whole bird and 70 C (158 F) for fish.
Worked example. Your thermometer reads 68 C in a pork chop. Health Canada's minimum for pork is 71 C (160 F), so it needs more time. USDA lists 63 C (145 F) with a rest for whole cuts of pork; this tool uses the stricter Canadian figure as the pass mark.
Frequently asked questions
What temperature is chicken safe at?
74 C (165 F) for chicken pieces and ground chicken, and 82 C (180 F) in the thickest part of the meat for a whole bird, per Health Canada.
What is the safe temperature for pork?
Health Canada says 71 C (160 F) for pork cuts and ground pork. USDA allows 63 C (145 F) plus a 3 minute rest for whole cuts, so US recipes may show a lower number.
Is medium-rare steak safe?
Health Canada lists 63 C (145 F) for medium-rare steaks and roasts. Ground beef needs 71 C (160 F), because bacteria on the surface get mixed through.
Where do I put the thermometer?
In the thickest part of the food, away from bone, fat and the pan.
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Scope
The USDA column uses the long-published USDA minimums; the USDA site blocked automated retrieval on the check date, so confirm there. The pass mark in the checker is Health Canada. Food safety guidance, not medical advice. If you are pregnant, immunocompromised, elderly or cooking for young children, follow the stricter advice from your health professional.