food safety

Sliced cooked pork loin with a digital meat thermometer inserted

How to Tell If Pork Is Cooked

August 20, 2025June 14, 2026ting

The safest way to tell if pork is cooked is to use a thermometer. Whole pork cuts need 145°F plus a 3 minute rest; ground pork needs 160°F.

Raw chicken in a sealed container on a refrigerator shelf beside a thermometer reading 38 degrees F

Raw Chicken Storage Temperature: When It Becomes Unsafe

August 20, 2025June 12, 2026ting

Store raw chicken at 40 degrees F or below in the refrigerator, or keep it frozen at 0 degrees F. If it spends too long above 40 degrees F, discard it.

Ting checking an unbranded smoked salmon package beside an open refrigerator

Is Smoked Salmon Raw? Cold-Smoked vs Hot-Smoked Safety

August 19, 2025June 11, 2026ting

Cold smoked salmon can be raw like, while hot smoked salmon is cooked and flaky. Treat refrigerated smoked salmon as a ready to eat perishable food.

Baked lasagna being checked for internal temperature with a food thermometer

Lasagna Internal Temp: Safe Temperature for Baking and Reheating

August 18, 2025June 10, 2026ting

For the safest result, check lasagna in the center and aim for 165 degrees F, especially for reheated, frozen, or meat filled lasagna. Bubbling edges help, but a thermometer is the reliable test.

A bowl of red salsa with tortilla chips, lime wedges, and cilantro on a dark kitchen surface

Does Salsa Go Bad?

August 15, 2025June 14, 2026ting

Salsa can go bad after opening, especially fresh or homemade salsa. Keep it refrigerated, use clean utensils, follow the label, and discard it if you see mold, gas, off odors, or unsafe storage.

Pieces of reheated rotisserie chicken in a tray with a food thermometer reading 165 degrees

Reheating Rotisserie Chicken Safely

August 14, 2025June 12, 2026ting

Reheat rotisserie chicken until the thickest or coolest part reaches 165 degrees F. Use a food thermometer, and only reheat leftovers that were stored safely.

Ting pouring pasteurized liquid egg whites into a skillet in a home kitchen

Can You Drink Egg Whites? Safety, Pasteurized Options, and Better Uses

August 10, 2025June 11, 2026ting

Do not drink raw egg whites from shell eggs. If a recipe or drink calls for uncooked egg whites, use a product labeled pasteurized and keep it refrigerated.

Does Hummus Need to be Refrigerated? An Informed Guide

August 10, 2025August 10, 2025ting

Hummus needs to be refrigerated due to food safety concerns Ingredients in hummus, such as chickpeas, tahini, and olive oil, can spoil quickly at room temperature Hummus can last for a week or two…

Thai food leftovers including noodles, fried rice, curry, and soup arranged for safe reheating

Reheating Thai Food

August 9, 2025June 14, 2026tingLeave a Comment

Reheating Thai food depends on the dish. Use a skillet for noodles and fried rice, the stovetop for curry and soup, and keep fresh salads cold.

Can Parchment Paper Go in the Microwave? An Informative Guide

August 7, 2025ting

Yes, parchment paper can be used in the microwave. It is important to use paper labeled as microwave safe. Avoid cooking fatty foods from scratch on parchment paper to prevent risk. Parchment paper can…