How often should food thermometers be calibrated?

Calibrating food thermometers before each use ensures that they provide accurate temperature readings, which is crucial for food safety. In food handling, temperature control is essential to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria, which can occur if food is not cooked or held at safe temperatures.

Regular calibration helps in maintaining the reliability of the thermometer and ensures it measures temperatures correctly, providing consistent and accurate results. If a thermometer is off by just a few degrees, it could lead to undercooking or overcooking food, which poses a risk to health. Therefore, calibrating before each use is the best practice to guarantee food safety and quality.