Infrared Thermometers for Food Safety Applications

In the US alone, the CDC estimates that approximately 3,000 people, or one in six Americans, die from foodborne illnesses. Keeping food safe is the number one priority for restaurant and food business owners. A critical part of ensuring food safety is strict temperature guidelines. Follow the recommended temperature-monitoring procedures to ensure food safety. If you are a business owner, make sure you have an infrared thermometer to measure food temperature accurately.

Common Food Safety Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Many restaurant and food business owners are guilty of common food safety mistakes. The worst part is that most are not even aware that they are doing so. Here is a quick guide to these common mistakes so you can be aware.

1. Relying on an infrared thermometer to measure internal food temperature.

An infrared thermometer is recommended for measuring the surface temperature of an object. For example, you can use it to test the grill’s temperature and see if it’s ready for the meat. You may also use it to check the temperature of the food. However, you cannot rely on this cooking tool to determine the accurate temperature reading of the food. For this one, you need a probe thermometer to insert into the centre of the food to take readings. Before using an infrared thermometer, it pays to know its limitations. That way, you know when and how to use the various types of thermometers to ensure food safety.

2. Not stirring food when taking the temperature.

Another critical step in accurately testing the food’s temperature during preparation or cooking is to stir it. Multiple food gradients form during cooking. The gradients mean that some parts of the food are hotter than others. Uneven temperatures can pose a significant risk during food safety testing.  Even if the outer part of the food is at the right temperature, the centre might not have reached a safe temperature yet. This means the centre of the food is more remarkable than its exterior. Stirring the food ensures even distribution of heat, producing a more consistent and accurate temperature reading with a thermometer.

3. Checking the wrong part of the food.

Using a probe thermometer does not guarantee an accurate reading. Make sure that you know where and how deep to insert the probe.  The best way to check the internal temperature of the meat is to insert the probe into its centre. Make sure to stick the probe into the centre of the thickest part of the meat.  This step ensures that you can get the reading on the innermost part of the meat. If that part is cooked, then you know that everything else is done. 

4. Not testing the thermometer’s accuracy regularly.

It is essential to calibrate and test the infrared thermometer for accuracy regularly. If you rely on your thermometer as a critical tool for food safety, it must be working correctly and accurately. You can perform an ice bath test to check the reading within the accuracy specification for that thermometer model.

How to Use Infrared Thermometers for Food Safety

Monitoring temperature is vital to ensuring food safety. Therefore, an infrared thermometer is the best choice of tool for any cook or food business professional.  Infrared, or non-contact, thermometers have their limitations for use in the kitchen. Many cooks rely on probes inserted into the food to check the internal temperature. However, infrared thermometers can be just as reliable and helpful in tracking surface temperatures without contact.

Infrared Thermometers Reduce the Risk of Cross-Contamination

Contamination is a serious threat in food preparation and handling. It could happen in the kitchen, using the very tools designed to ensure food safety. When chefs are busy in the kitchen, it’s easy to overlook minor details, such as cleaning and drying the thermometer probe. As a result, many use the same tool for checking the temperature of different types of food.  Using the same probe on different food products is a health hazard and a risk for cross-contamination. For this reason, a non-contact process is a more suitable option for limiting cross-contamination and keeping food safe. Handheld IR thermometers accurately and effectively measure food and surface temperature as long as you follow the best practices for using them. At the same time, it is also essential for food industry professionals to understand their limitations so they can use them correctly.

Precise Targeting of Items

The ability to precisely target the object or food being measured is another advantage of using infrared thermometers. Some IR thermometers feature a laser pointer that correctly identifies the object being measured, helping avoid confusion in the temperature reading. It makes it easier to scan and read food temperature, especially when moving ingredients and keeping them in mobile food storage.

Use it to Establish Baselines in Monitoring Food Temperature 

An infrared thermometer is an invaluable tool for safely monitoring food temperature. You can use an infrared thermometer to establish baseline temperatures for food storage, food production, and other quality control processes. The ability to quickly scan temperature readings ensures compliance and maintains quality within your supply chain. 

Lack of Temperature Draw-Down

Using contact thermometers to test food temperature can interfere with food safety monitoring. The actual measurement can affect food temperature, risking an inaccurate reading. You must be aware of the temperature drawdown that can occur when using contact thermometers.

Conclusion

Using an infrared thermometer for food safety is a wise decision because it delivers quick, accurate readings. You can use it to scan the temperature of your ingredients in food storage facilities or during production. This method ensures you can maintain food quality and guarantee it is safe to eat before serving.