Which of the following is correct about the use of thermometers in food safety?

Using thermometers in food safety is crucial for ensuring that food is cooked and stored at safe temperatures to prevent foodborne illnesses. Regular calibration of thermometers is essential because it ensures that the readings are accurate. Over time, thermometers can become uncalibrated due to various factors like mechanical shock or extreme temperature changes. If a thermometer reads incorrectly, it can lead to improper cooking or storing temperatures, putting the food and consumers at risk.

Accurate temperature readings help in verifying that foods have reached the minimum safe cooking temperatures, reducing the risk of pathogens surviving the cooking process. Additionally, when storing food, monitoring temperatures is necessary to maintain safety and quality over time. Thus, the need for calibration is a critical part of maintaining effective food safety practices in any food service operation.