Utah Food Safety Practice Test

What should be done with a thermometer if it had been submerged in ice water?

1. Calibrate it before use

2. Use it immediately

3. Discard it

4. Clean it

The correct answer is: Calibrate it before use

When a thermometer has been submerged in ice water, it is important to calibrate it before use. Calibration ensures that the thermometer provides accurate temperature readings. Ice water is typically used as a reference point for calibration because it should be at 32°F (0°C) under standard atmospheric conditions. If the thermometer has been placed in ice water, it may not be providing a reliable temperature reading until it is calibrated. This process involves checking the thermometer's reading against the known temperature of the ice water and adjusting it if necessary. Calibrating ensures the accuracy of the thermometer, which is crucial in food safety practices, as temperature monitoring is vital for preventing foodborne illnesses. Simply using the thermometer immediately after it has been submerged may lead to incorrect readings, potentially compromising food safety. Discarding it is unnecessary unless it is damaged or malfunctioning, and cleaning it, while important for hygiene, does not address the accuracy of the temperature readings. Thus, calibration is the best practice to ensure both safety and reliability.