Question

When taking the temperature of TCS food with a bimetallic stem thermometer, how long should the internal temperature hold in order for the read to be accurate?

a) 5 seconds
b) 10 seconds
c) 15 seconds
d) 20 seconds

Answer 1

To accurately measure the temperature of TCS foods with a bimetallic stem thermometer, the reading should be held for 15 seconds to ensure accurate temperature assessment.

Step-by-step explanation:

When taking the temperature of TCS food (Time/Temperature Control for Safety food) with a bimetallic stem thermometer, it is crucial to hold the thermometer in the food long enough to get an accurate reading. The correct duration for an accurate internal temperature reading using a bimetallic stem thermometer is 15 seconds. This allows the temperature sensing part of the thermometer, which is located toward the tip of the stem, to equilibrate with the food's temperature. Ensuring the accurate measurement of food's internal temperature is essential for food safety, as bacteria proliferate at temperatures between 4°C (40°F) and 60°C (140°F), and foods left at these temperatures for more than two hours can become dangerous to consume.