LEGAL REQUIREMENT

Food businesses have a legal duty to prevent food poisoning by carefully controlling the way they produce, store and handle food. Temperature control is critical to the prevention of food poisoning. If food businesses and caterers do not have a means of accurately monitoring their food temperatures at critical stages, i.e. storage, cooking and reheating, then they may have difficulty demonstrating how they are complying with the law.

Using a Food Thermometer

Food probe thermometers must be kept clean and should be disinfected before and after use. You should use "food-safe" disinfectant wipes, which leave no residue, to clean food probes.

 

Calibration

You should ensure that food probe thermometers are regularly calibrated to check their accuracy. This can be carried out by probing melting ice and boiling water to verify temperatures of 0^oC and 100^oC respectively.

Food thermometers should:

• be able to measure the internal temperature of foods;
• be accurate to +/- 1^oC;
• work quickly;
• be easy to keep clean and disinfect;
• not contaminate food if they get physically broken;
• be easily calibrated;
• protect users from burns.

Avoid thermometers that:

• have unprotected glass;
• have liquid mercury inside;
• do not display a temperature in ^oC or ^oF.

There are a wide range of thermometers available, costing from a couple of pounds up to several hundred. For most caterers and retailers, the most cost-effective solution is usually a battery powered thermometer with separate probe and handle. A reasonable model can be obtained from about £25.

• Thermometers of varying quality can be purchased in the high street. However, specialist suppliers are likely to offer better value and advice.
  There are two types of specialist suppliers; those selling just their own make of thermometers and independent vendors that sell a wide range of thermometer makes and models.
  
  Note: The council does not recommend or endorse any supplier or product, nor have we accepted any payment or recommendation for inclusion in this guide.

 

Independent Suppliers

Anton Test & Measurement
Unit 6, Park House, 15/23 Greenhill Crescent, Watford Business Park, Watford, WD1 8QE.
Telephone: (01923) 256666 Facsimile: (01923) 256677
Email: sales@anton-group.com 

 

R&L Slaughter
Unit 11-12, Upminster Trading Estate, Harley Street, Upminster, Essex RM4 3PJ