Utah Food Safety Practice Test

The correct answer is based on the requirement for a food thermometer to provide reliable and precise temperature readings in order to ensure food safety. A thermometer that displays an accurate temperature reading is essential in determining whether food has been cooked to the necessary temperatures that kill harmful bacteria, or whether it has been kept at safe temperatures to prevent spoilage.

While a clean and new thermometer is important for avoiding contamination, cleanliness does not directly determine whether the device is functioning correctly. A digital screen is merely a feature of some thermometers and does not inherently guarantee accuracy. Placing a thermometer in boiling water could serve as a calibration test, but merely being placed in boiling water does not ensure that the thermometer is currently providing accurate readings when used in practical cooking situations. The crucial factor for safe food handling is the thermometer's ability to provide exact temperature readings, confirming that the food has been cooked or stored safely.