Why you should be using probe thermometers for food.

Food safety is everybody’s business. Is doesn’t matter whether you store, cook, prepare, transport or sell potentially hazardous foods you need to know that the correct temperature is being maintained. A thermometer food probe is your key.

What is a Probe Thermometer for Food?

A thermometer with a food probe is a meter with a metal stem that’s designed to be inserted into food products. Modern models often have a digital temperature display. Analogue displays on food temperature probes exist but are disappearing as digital thermometers become more affordable.

Why take a core temperature sample?

Consider the humble yet delicious Sunday roast. How can you tell if your roast has been cooked throughout by simply looking at it or by taking a surface temperature reading? Just because the expected temperature is reached on the outside, it doesn’t mean it is consistent throughout.

OK, what if your business’ brand is potentially on the line, not to mention the threat of fines if you guess it wrong in a commercial kitchen setting? …On the other hand, a core temperature reading that has been taken by a competent food professional significantly reduces food health risk. It gives a better indication of the roast’s temperature within, helping to ensure it has been cooked right through.

Ditto, control copy etc. for all food production processes…

Uses for Probe Thermometers for Food

Probe thermometers are recommended for use by Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) to measure the temperatures of ‘potentially hazardous foods’. Potentially hazardous foods include products containing raw meat, cooked meat, dairy products, seafood, egg, processed fruit and veg, pre-prepared foods (e.g. packages sandwiches), as well as cooked rice and pasta.

Such foods need to be kept within the safe temperature ranges of below 5°C and above 60°C. The range of 5°C to 60°C is known as the “temperature danger zone”. This range is where food poisoning causing bacteria can thrive.

If you prepare, handle or sell any potentially hazardous foods, the FSANZ states that you must have a thermometer which is accurate to ±1°C. If your thermometer is designed with this accuracy, and if you and your team use it as recommended, you can sleep safely knowing that you are maintaining safe temperatures.

Examples of Food Probe Thermometers

Here’s a peek at a representative selection of food probe thermometers. See if any of these match the requirements of your application(s).

Flash check Waterproof, Lollipop Thermometer with Reduced Tip  

Product Code: IC-11040

This waterproof thermometer is a robust food safety tool. It will perform in any establishment where food is prepared, cooked, served and stored, as well as in distribution centres, cold storage and processing facilities

Temperature Range: -40°c to 155°c

Food Safety Zone Accuracy: ±0.5°C (-20°C to 55°C), ±1°C (55°C to 155°C) or ±1%, whichever is greatest

Waterproof Food Safety Mini-Thermometer  

Product Code:0560-1113

The waterproof 0560-1113 is an IP67 rated thermometer. Check it out if you need a device to withstand splashes or spills in your kitchen. The 0560-1113 can measure up to 230°C, it’s budget-friendly and compact. A terrific addition to any kitchen or food handling facility.

Temperature Range:-20°c to +230°c

Food Safety Zone Accuracy:±1°c (-20°c to 53.9°c)±0.8°c (54°c to 90°c)

Food thermometer with a standard immersion/penetration probe  

Product Code: IC-0563-1080

The IC-0563-1080 is a waterproof food thermometer constructed for super-fast spot checks and reliable results when measuring temperatures during food production, processing and storage.

Temperature Range:-50°c to 300°c

Food Safety Zone Accuracy:±0.5°c (-30°c to 70°c)±0.5°c or ±0.5 % of mv(Remaining Range)

HACCP Thermometer  

Product Code: IC-800042

The HACCP thermometer is a waterproof thermometer designed for food safety compliance with HACCPprinciples in mind. It features a red/green temperature alarm display which means you’ll know if you have a problem at a glance. Green means “relax”. Red means “Houston we have a problem!”

Temperature Range: -100°c to 300°c

Food Safety Zone Accuracy: ±0.5°c

Tips from Scientists for using Probe Thermometers for Food

Instrument Choice scientists have compiled the following tips to help you get the most accurate reading from your probe thermometer. And don’t stop with this list. Make sure you refer to your manufacturer’s guide on how to use your thermometer correctly.

TIP #1 - When measuring solid or semi-solid food insert the stem of your thermometer into the thickest part of the food. Note: make sure you go for the centre, even if your product is thick throughout!

TIP #2 – Don’t let the stem of the probe touch the bottom or sides of a container or dish – you won’t get accurate results!

TIP #3 - Check your thermometer for accuracy regularly. Simply place some ice in a cup with a small amount of water. If the ice is floating you have added too much water. Place the stem in the cup and wait a few minutes. Your thermometer should read 0°C. Repeat this a couple of times to ensure accuracy.If the thermometer is varying outside of the expected accuracy range, contact an Instrument Choice scientist for support.

TIP #4 – To maintain accuracy, remember to clean and sanitise your thermometer between use. We recommend warm soapy water and an alcohol wipe.

TIP #5 - Stabilise your thermometer between measuring hot and cold foods by allowing your device to return to room temperature.

Conclusion

Safe temperature maintenance is the key to ensuring you are preparing, handling and selling safe, delicious foods. The best way to maintain safe temperatures is with a quality thermometer food probe.

Want more examples of thermometers for food? You can find many more on the Instrument Choice website.

Have questions or need some help finding the best thermometer food probe for your application? Call one of our friendly scientists on 1300 737 871 or email [email protected] and they will answer all your questions within three business hours.