Food Thermometers: How to Choose and Use One

Thermometer advice for consumers.

Using a food thermometer is the only sure way of knowing if your food has reached a high enough temperature to destroy foodborne bacteria.

Place the thermometer in the middle of the thickest part of the food, away from bone, fat or gristle. Then you are measuring the temperature of the part of the food that will be slowest to cook. With irregularly shaped food, such as a whole chicken or a beef roast, check the temperature in several places. Clean your thermometer with soap and water between each use.

Please read the instructions that come with your thermometer to learn how it is best used.

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