Tips: Food thermometer temperatures

According to the USDA, using a food thermometer is the only way to tell if food has reached a high enough temperature to destroy harmful bacteria and that it is the desired doneness.

Beef, veal, and lamb roasts can be cooked to medium rare (145 degrees F), medium (160 degrees F), or well done (170 degrees F). Fresh ham and pork roasts should be cooked to medium (160 degrees F) or well done (170 degrees F). If fully cooked hams are reheated, a food thermometer should be used to be sure the meat reaches 140 degrees F.