Keeping Food Safe: Food Temperatures and Thermometers
Institute of Child Nutrition
September 10, 2026
September is National Food Safety Education Month, a time to review how to keep food safe. One way to prevent foodborne illness is to cook food to the right temperature. Our partners at ICN explain how to use and care for food thermometers, so you always cook food safely.
Why Cooking Temperatures Matter
Food may look cooked on the outside but still be unsafe inside. Harmful germs, such as Salmonella and E. coli, are killed only when food reaches a safe internal temperature. That is why using a food thermometer is so important.
How to Use a Food Thermometer
Getting the correct reading depends on where and how you check the food:
- Always use a clean, sanitized, and calibrated thermometer.
- Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the food (usually the center), making sure the sensor tip or dimple is fully covered.
- Avoid touching bone, fat, or gristle. These can cause false readings.
- Check the temperature in several spots, such as the center and sides, for casseroles and similar dishes.
- Wait about 15 seconds for the thermometer to show an accurate reading.
Taking Care of Your Thermometer
To keep the thermometer safe and accurate:
- Clean and sanitize it before and after every use.
- Wash the stem, then sanitize (dip in sanitizing solution or wipe with a sanitizing wipe). Let it air-dry.
- Store in a clean, dry place—a protective case or sheath is best.
Calibrating Your Food Thermometer
A thermometer only works if it is accurate.
- Overcooked food can lose quality (meat may turn tough).
- Undercooked food can be unsafe (bacteria can grow if the food is not hot enough).
Calibrate thermometers each day if possible, or at least once a week. Recalibrate if the thermometer has been dropped or exposed to high heat. For bimetallic stem thermometers, use a calibration tool or wrench to adjust the dial. For digital thermometers, press the reset or calibration button, if available.
Calibration Methods:
There are two ways to calibrate a thermometer: the ice water and boiling water methods. Refer to the graphics below for the basic steps.
Using thermometers correctly—and calibrating them regularly—keeps food safe and children healthy. Make food thermometers part of your everyday food safety routine!
Read the September 2026 Mealtime Memo from ICN.