Ontario Food Handler Certification Practice Exam

What type of thermometer is considered best for measuring the internal temperature of food?

1. A food thermometer designed for cooking

2. A refrigerator thermometer

3. A liquid-in-glass thermometer

4. An infrared thermometer

The correct answer is: A food thermometer designed for cooking

A food thermometer designed for cooking is the best choice for measuring the internal temperature of food because it is specifically designed to provide accurate readings within the appropriate temperature range for different types of food. These thermometers are built to quickly assess whether food has reached a safe internal temperature, which is crucial for preventing foodborne illnesses. Using a food thermometer ensures that meats, poultry, and other cooked foods meet the necessary temperatures to kill harmful pathogens. These thermometers often feature a pointed probe for easy insertion into various food types and can come in different forms, such as instant-read thermometers or probe thermometers that can be left in food while it is cooking. Other types of thermometers listed do not provide accurate internal readings in the same way. A refrigerator thermometer is used to measure the ambient temperature of a refrigerator, which is important for food storage but not for cooking. A liquid-in-glass thermometer is primarily used for measuring the temperature of liquids and may not provide accurate results for solid or dense foods. An infrared thermometer measures surface temperature, which does not reflect the internal temperature of the food and therefore may lead to undercooking or overcooking.