How often should food thermometers be calibrated?

Food thermometers should be calibrated at least once a day to ensure accuracy in measuring food temperatures. This is particularly important in food safety practices because even slight inaccuracies can lead to improper cooking or holding temperatures, which can create a risk for foodborne illnesses. Calibrating the thermometer daily helps ensure that it provides reliable readings throughout the day, especially when used frequently or under varying conditions such as temperature fluctuations.

Calibrating before each use, while beneficial for precision, may not always be practical for daily operations. Some might not use the thermometer every single day, making this less feasible in a busy food service environment. Calibration once a week or once a month does not meet the daily safety standards that many food safety guidelines recommend, as temperatures can fluctuate due to a variety of factors. Regular daily calibration is a best practice for maintaining food safety.