We all know that temperature monitoring goes hand-in-hand with safe food handling. But what are some other benefits of making thermometer use a routine part of your food handling program? Why even use a thermometer? In this first part of our three-part thermometer series read how important it is to be using a thermometer as part of your daily routine. 

Clearly, using thermometers is an industry MUST, but having an inaccurate thermometer means a risk of incorrect monitoring of temperatures. How do you know the temperatures you are taking are accurate? Have you observed your staff calibrate their thermometers regularly? The calibration process is a way to verify effective and accurate monitoring. So often, managers mistakenly assume that front-line food service workers understand and perform this process.  Why not take five minutes to retrain your staff at the next pre-service and ensure everyone is knowledgeable and trained? Here are a few key points to cover in your next pre-service huddle:



• Restaurants are required to have and use thermometers that are accurate. Temperature readings are considered accurate if it is within two degrees.  to plus or minus 2 degrees. 
• You can't tell if a food is safely cooked by sight, smell or even taste. A food thermometer is the only way to ensure food is cooked to the proper internal temperature and harmful bacteria are eliminated.
• Download the PDF attached to share with your team. TELL your team the steps to calibrating a thermometer by verbally reviewing the steps on the poster.
• SHOW to your team how to calibrate, following the steps on the poster.
• Ask a few team members to demonstrate their knowledge by SHOWING you what they just learned.

Now you can see some reasons why you want to use a thermometer. To read part 2 of the thermometer series click here for Why Calibrate a Thermometer

The ATC Food Safety mission is to bridge the gap between regulatory agencies and foodservice operators, supporting the foodservice industry through a "training first" approach to auditing, knowledge-sharing, and coaching. Check out this job aide to help you demonstrate to your staff how to correctly calibrate your thermometer. 

ATC Food Safety is here to help!! We can help bridge the gap between regulatory requirements and your food service operation. Text us for more info! 877-227-5212