How often should food thermometers be calibrated?

Calibrating food thermometers before each use is essential for ensuring accurate temperature readings, which is a key component of food safety. Accurate thermometer readings help in properly cooking food to safe temperatures, preventing foodborne illnesses, and ensuring that leftovers are cooled and stored at safe temperatures. Over time, thermometers can become inaccurate due to a variety of factors such as temperature fluctuations, physical shocks, or even simple wear and tear. By calibrating the thermometer before each use, you ensure it is providing the most precise readings, allowing for safe food handling and preparation.

While some options suggest regular intervals, such as weekly or monthly calibration, these do not guarantee the accuracy needed before each cooking session. Calibration after every meal would be excessive and impractical, whereas calibration before each use strikes the right balance between safety and practicality. This practice is crucial for anyone involved in food preparation and helps maintain a high standard of food safety.