| What temperatures should I cook my food to?
SAFE COOKING TEMPERATURE CHART
You can’t tell by looking – use a food thermometer to be sure! |
Food |
Temperature |
beef/veal steaks and roasts
medium-rare
medium
well done |
63°C (145°F)
71°C (160°F)
77°C (170°F)
|
ground beef/pork/veal
food made with ground beef/pork/veal, e.g. sausages, meatballs
pork chops, ribs, roasts |
71°C (160°F) |
ground chicken/turkey
food made with ground chicken/turkey, e.g. sausages, meatballs
chicken/turkey breasts, legs, thighs and wings
stuffing, casseroles, hot dogs, leftovers, egg dishes |
74°C (165°F) |
chicken/turkey, whole, unstuffed |
85°C (185°F) |
How can I tell if hamburgers are properly cooked?
You should use a probe thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the hamburger has been cooked to at least 71°C or 160°F. Remember that hamburger must be cooked well done.
Can I refreeze meat after it has thawed?
Refreezing meats will affect the quality of the meat, but should not impact its safety as long as the food has been thawed in the refrigerator.
At what temperature should my fridge be kept?
Your refrigerator should be kept at or below 4°C or 40°F, and you should have a thermometer to check temperature.
How long can I keep food in the fridge?
It your refrigerator is at the correct temperature, the recommended food storage times are:
- eggs: 3 weeks
- cold cuts: 2-3 days
- fresh meats: 2-3 days
- cooked meats: 3-4 days
Always check the Best Before dates on the packaging. More information can be found on the Canadian Food Inspection Agency website.
Should I throw away cheese that has gone mouldy?
If there is some small mould growth on the surface of hard cheese, it should be trimmed off at least 1 inch past the mould growth.
What should I use to disinfect surfaces in my kitchen?
A simple disinfecting solution can be made using 4 litres of water and 1 tablespoon of plain household bleach.
Can I use a dented can of peas?
A dent may actually create a small hole in the can which could allow air or micro organisms to enter the food and grow, possibly leading to food contamination.
Should I wash my vegetables from the garden?
All fresh fruits and vegetables, whether from the garden or from the market/store, should be thoroughly washed before eating.
For more food safety tips, visit the Canadian Food Inspection Agency website. |
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