Tip of the Day
How to Get an Accurate Thermometer Reading
To avoid harmful pathogens that can cause food poisoning, food must be cooked to the proper internal temperature. The most accurate and safe way to ensure this is to use a food thermometer. Different foods require you to place the food thermometer in different areas.
- Red meats, roasts, steaks, chops and poultry pieces: Insert in the center of the thickest part, away from bone, fat and gristle.
- Poultry (whole bird): Insert in inner thigh area near the breast, but not touching the bone.
- Ground meat and poultry: Place in the thickest area of meatloaf or patty; with thin patties, insert sideways reaching the very center with the stem.
- Egg dishes and casseroles: Insert in center or thickest area of the dish.
- Fish: Insert in the thickest part of fish.
To find out what temperature you should cook your food to, refer to our temperature chart. For more food safety information, visit homefoodsafety.org.
*Reminder: New name, same commitment to your nutritional health. The American Dietetic Association is now the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
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