How often should food thermometers be calibrated?

Food thermometers should be calibrated before each use to ensure accuracy in measuring food temperatures. This is essential for maintaining food safety, as even slight inaccuracies can result in cooking food to unsafe temperatures or serving it at unsafe holding temperatures. Calibration helps mitigate the risk of foodborne illnesses by ensuring that food is cooked properly and stored at safe temperatures.

Factors such as exposure to high temperatures, physical damage, or improper storage can affect a thermometer's accuracy. Therefore, checking the device prior to use allows food workers to confirm that it is functioning correctly and will provide reliable readings. This practice is especially important in high-volume food service settings where precision in temperature monitoring is vital for both compliance with health regulations and protecting public health.