What is the appropriate way to use a food thermometer?

The appropriate way to use a food thermometer is to insert it into the thickest part of the food. This method is crucial because the thickest part is usually where food takes the longest to cook, and it provides the most accurate reading of whether the food has reached a safe internal temperature. Cooking foods to the correct temperature is essential for food safety, as it helps destroy harmful bacteria that can cause foodborne illnesses.

Using a thermometer on the outer surface of the food can give a misleading temperature reading, as the outer part may be hot while the inside remains undercooked. Checking the temperature after cooking is also important, but it is not the phase when the thermometer should be used; instead, the correct practice is to check the temperature during cooking to ensure it reaches the desired level. While holding the thermometer by the handle is good practice for safety reasons, this action does not directly relate to how temperature readings should be taken effectively within the food.