Preparing Brisket Safely for Passover/Easter
United States Department of Agriculture
UNITED STATES (News Release) - Passover meals are rooted in tradition, care, and intention. For many families, brisket is a centerpiece of the holiday meal. Because brisket is a large cut of meat that often requires advance planning, food safety should start well before the meal is served.
Purchase Kosher Meat Safely
During Passover, many families serve kosher meat and poultry, which are produced under rabbinical supervision.
Look for the USDA mark of inspection on meat and poultry products or purchase from trusted sources.
Refrigerate within two hours after purchase.
Cook or freeze brisket and other whole cuts of beef within three to five days. Cook or freeze poultry within one to two days.
Start with Safe Thawing
If your brisket is frozen, allow enough time to thaw it safely in the refrigerator.
A trimmed, first-cut brisket may take about 24 hours to thaw.
A whole brisket weighing about 10 pounds can take several days to thaw.
Thawing in the refrigerator helps keep meat at a safe temperature while it defrosts.
Learn more about safe defrosting methods in our Spring Holiday Food Safety Guide.
Cook to a Safe Temperature
When it’s time to cook, set the oven no lower than 325 degrees F.
Brisket is safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees F, as measured with a food thermometer.
Allow the brisket to rest at that temperature for three minutes before serving.
Learn more about how to safely use a food thermometer.
Don’t Forget the Leftovers
Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours of cooking to prevent harmful bacteria from multiplying.
Cut leftover brisket into slices and store the slices in shallow containers so they cool more quickly.
Learn more about how to keep foods out of the Danger Zone and leftover food safety.
Preparing Passover meals often takes time and planning. By thawing foods safely, cooking brisket to the correct temperature, and refrigerating leftovers promptly, families can focus on the meaning of the holiday and enjoy the meal with confidence.
For More Information
Explore resources on the Spring Holiday Food Safety Guide, a one-stop guide to cooking, serving, and storing a safe holiday meal.
Contact the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854) or email MPHotline@usda.gov from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday.
