When should food thermometers be calibrated?

Food thermometers should be calibrated regularly to ensure accuracy because proper functioning is crucial for food safety. Calibration is the process of adjusting a thermometer to ensure that it provides accurate readings. In commercial kitchens and food service environments, the temperature of food must be precisely monitored to prevent foodborne illnesses, as undercooked food can harbor pathogens, while overcooked food can lead to a loss of quality.

Regular calibration is necessary because thermometers can become inaccurate due to several factors, such as temperature fluctuations, physical impacts, or prolonged use. By systematically checking and calibrating thermometers, food safety personnel can maintain high standards of accuracy, ensuring that foods are cooked and stored at safe temperatures.

While calibrating at the beginning of each week, after every use, or at least once a month may contribute to accuracy, these approaches may not be sufficient or practical, as unexpected damage or temperature changes can occur at any time. Regular calibration is a more flexible and thorough method to maintain the integrity of temperature readings throughout all food handling processes.