Meat, poultry, and egg products are an integral part of the food chain and Minnesota’s agricultural economy. Because these products can be associated with foodborne diseases, it's important to maintain food safety during food production, handling, cooking, and storage. Concerns about specific products or food establishments can be reported to the appropriate regulatory or public health agency.
Food Safety
The U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA FSIS) has a wealth of Food Safety Information for proper handling and cooking of meat, poultry, and eggs, along with details about current product recalls. Refer to their chart on minimum internal temperatures and rest time for safe cooking of various cuts and preparations of meat and poultry products. University of Minnesota Extension also has an excellent array of resources on preserving and preparing food safely, from the basics to specific scenarios such as cooking during a power outage, holiday food safety considerations, and using equipment like slow cookers correctly.
For additional help with meat, poultry, and egg products, call the toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-888-MPHOTLINE (1-888-674-6854).
Food and Feed Quality Complaints
To report a complaint about a Minnesota meat, poultry, or egg product, fill out a Food & Feed Quality Complaint Form online or contact the MDA Food and Feed Safety Division at 651-201-6064. Complaints may be registered anonymously. If your complaint is a food emergency, please contact the state duty officer at 1-800-422-0798.
Foodborne Illness
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) responds to reports of suspected foodborne or waterborne illness in the state. To report an illness you believe may have been caused by a meat, poultry, or egg product, contact the MDH foodborne illness hotline at 1-877-FOOD-ILL (1-877-366-3455), health.foodill@state.mn.us, or by submitting a form online at Reporting Suspected Foodborne and Waterborne Illness.
