State Food Safety Practice Exam

Which type of thermometer is most suitable for measuring the internal temperature of food?

1. Infrared thermometer

2. Bi-metallic stemmed thermometer

3. Digital probe thermometer

4. Surface thermometer

The correct answer is: Bi-metallic stemmed thermometer

The bi-metallic stemmed thermometer is particularly suitable for measuring the internal temperature of food due to its design and functionality. It features a metal stem that is inserted into the thickest part of the food. This allows for direct measurement of the internal temperature, which is essential for ensuring that food reaches a safe cooking temperature to prevent foodborne illnesses. The thermometer's dial displays the temperature reading, making it easy to read, and it is typically calibrated for accurate readings. This type of thermometer can accommodate a range of food types, making it versatile in a kitchen setting. Infrared thermometers are useful for measuring surface temperatures but do not penetrate food, which means they are not suitable for determining if food has been cooked to a safe internal temperature. Digital probe thermometers also measure internal temperature effectively; however, they may sometimes require specific contact points or may not have the same level of reliability in various cooking scenarios as the bi-metallic design. Surface thermometers, on the other hand, only measure the temperature at the surface, making them inappropriate for assessing the internal safety of food.