What Is The New Pork Done Temperature?

by Bob R.
(Moab, UT)

I was planning to cook a couple of pork loins for this Memorial Day, and wanted to know what the actual pork done temperature is now. I thought pork had to be cooked to 160 degrees, but heard that's no longer the case. 

Is there a new done temperature for smoking pork? What temperature does pork have to be cooked to now?
Thanks for a great website!

Bob

Comments for What Is The New Pork Done Temperature?

How long
by: You're good

I'm just curious as to how long the pork temperature should stay at the new lower temperature set recently by the USDA?

USDA Lowers Pork Done Temperature

by: Bill

A few days ago the USDA made a change to the recommended cooking temperature for pork. The new lower done temperature is 145 degrees Fahrenheit. Used to be 160 degrees.

That doesn't mean you can't still cook pork the way you like it. You may find that pink 145 degree pork just isn't appealing to you. If that's the case, go ahead and cook it until all the pink is gone, to 155 or 160 degrees.

Two things to remember about the pork temp change. First, it only applies to whole cuts of pork. Ground pork must still be cooked to 160 degrees. And second, the USDA guideline includes a requirement for the meat to rest for at least 3 minutes after being removed from the grill or smoker.

Good luck with your pork loins on Monday!

Read more about the new temperature guidelines for pork.