Smoking meat and poultry

Meat and poultry can be smoked for flavor, but they must be handled and cooked safely. Keep raw products refrigerated until preparation, and use a smoker that can maintain the appropriate cooking temperature.

USDA advises keeping the smoker temperature between 225°F and 300°F while cooking meat and poultry. Check doneness with a food thermometer: whole cuts of beef, pork, lamb and veal require 145°F with a three-minute rest; ground meats require 160°F; and poultry requires 165°F.

Keep raw meat and poultry separate from cooked foods, avoid partially cooking products for later finishing, and refrigerate leftovers within two hours (one hour above 90°F). Smoked meat and poultry generally still require refrigeration.

RECOMMENDED RESOURCES

Smoking Meat and Poultry — USDA FSIS

USDA guidance on preparation, smoker temperature, safe internal temperatures and handling.

Safe Minimum Internal Temperatures — FoodSafety.gov

Quick reference for minimum internal cooking temperatures.

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