What type of thermometer is best for checking food temperatures?

A digital or probe thermometer is the best choice for checking food temperatures because it provides accurate and quick readings, which are essential for ensuring food safety. This type of thermometer has a sharp probe that can easily be inserted into various types of food, allowing for precise internal temperature measurements. Accurate temperature readings are crucial for preventing foodborne illnesses by ensuring that foods are cooked to the appropriate temperatures and that they are being stored at safe levels to inhibit bacterial growth.

In contrast, a glass thermometer, while it can provide accurate readings, is fragile and poses a risk of breakage, which can lead to contamination. Mercury thermometers are also hazardous due to the toxic nature of mercury and are increasingly being phased out in favor of safer options. Infrared thermometers, although useful for non-contact surface temperature readings, do not provide information on the internal temperature of food, which is necessary for food safety assessments. Therefore, the digital or probe thermometer stands out as the most effective and reliable choice for checking food temperatures in a food safety context.