Major contributors to foodborne illness
temperature abuse
• Exposed to temperatures in the temperature danger zone
• Not cooked or reheated sufficiently
Thermometers, thermo-couples
👫
measure temperature of stored, cooked, cooling, hot-held…
food temperature-measuring device with small diameter probe
thin foods, such as: meat patties, fish filets
(Thermometer) Dial-face, metal stem
Most common type of thermometer used
type (bi-metallic)
Digital
Thermocouple
Infrared
T-Sticks (melt devices)
Maximum Registering (holding)
Before you use a thermometer
calibrate it or make sure it is working correctly.
Calibrate means to
compare and adjust with a known standard.
Dial-face metal stem type (bi-metal thermometers should calibrated
• Before first use
• regular intervals
• If dropped or otherwise damaged
• If used to measure extreme temperatures
• Whenever accuracy is in question
Boiling Point Method
2 inches of stem from the tip (the sensing part of the probe) into
boiling water and adjust the needle to 212℉ (100℃).
Ice Point Method
Insert probe into a cup of crushed ice.
Add enough cold water to remove any air pockets that might remain.
Wait until the temperature stabilizes and adjust the needle to 32℉ (0℃).
Measuring Food Temperature
On the bi-metal thermometer
Accurate readings are only possible when
For bi-metal thermometers,
immerse the needle tip at least 2 inches into the food to be measured.
For digital and thermocouple thermometers,
the tip must be inserted 1 inch or more. Always insert the sensing element of the thermometer into the center or thickest part of the food. When possible stir the food before measuring the temperature.
The approximate temperature of packaged foods
measured accurately without opening the package. Place the stem or probe of the thermometer between two packages of food or fold the package around the stem or probe to make good contact with the packaging.
How to Accurately and Safely Measure Food Temperatures:
• Use an approved temperature measuring device that measures temperatures from
0℉ (−18℃) 𝑡𝑜 220℉ (104℃).
• Locate the sensing portion of the measuring device
• Calibrate the measuring device using the ice or boiling point method
• Clean and sanitize the probe of the temperature-measuring device according to
procedure
• Measure the internal temperature of the food by inserting the probe into the center or
thickest part of the item at least 2 inches for a dial thermometer and 1 inch for digital
thermometers
• Always wait for the temperature reading to stabilize.
Frozen foods should be
kept solidly frozen until they are ready to be used.
Freezing helps to retain product quality.
Proper frozen food temperatures do not permit disease-causing and spoilage microorganisms to grow.
Cold temperatures preserve the color and flavor characteristics.
Frozen foods can be stored
for long periods of time without losing their wholesomeness and quality.