Ontario Food Handler Certification Practice Exam

How should you accurately check the temperature of food while cooking?

1. By observing the color change

2. By inserting a food thermometer into the thickest part of the food

3. By timing the cooking process

4. By testing a small piece of food from the pan

The correct answer is: By inserting a food thermometer into the thickest part of the food

To accurately check the temperature of food while cooking, it is essential to insert a food thermometer into the thickest part of the food. This method ensures that you measure the temperature in the area where the heat takes the longest to penetrate, which is critical for determining whether the food has reached a safe temperature to kill harmful bacteria. Using a thermometer is a reliable way to assess the doneness of various foods, particularly meats, poultry, and casseroles, which can harbor pathogens if not cooked adequately. The thickest part often corresponds to the center of the food item, where the temperature may be lowest compared to the outer surfaces. Achieving the appropriate internal temperature is vital for food safety and to prevent foodborne illnesses. Other methods such as observing color change or timing the cooking process may not provide an accurate assessment of whether the food is safely cooked through, leading to potential risks if pathogens remain. Similarly, testing a small piece of food from the pan does not guarantee that the entire dish has reached the necessary temperature, especially if the food item is large or dense. Thus, using a food thermometer is the best practice for checking cooking temperatures accurately.