Final answer:
A cook tasked with temperature monitoring on a steam table is ensuring that food reaches safe temperatures to prevent bacterial growth, using a thermometer for accurate readings.
Step-by-step explanation:
When the person in charge assigns a cook to monitor and record temperatures on the steam table, the primary aim is to ensure food safety by maintaining high enough temperatures to kill bacteria. This is crucial because dangerous pathogens that can cause foodborne illnesses thrive at certain temperatures. Using tools such as a meat thermometer, which displays temperatures in both Fahrenheit and Celsius, the cook can carefully check that the food reaches safe temperatures. For instance, a recipe might require a specific temperature to ensure doneness and safety, while a pressure cooker can reach even higher temperatures and requires careful handling to avoid accidents. The process of monitoring involves periodically measuring the temperature of the food on the steam table and recording these readings, similar to a step in a scientific procedure where one would measure and record the temperature of water in a test tube.