What is the purpose of a food thermometer?

The purpose of a food thermometer is to ensure foods are cooked to safe internal temperatures. Using a food thermometer is essential for food safety because it allows cooks to accurately determine whether a food has reached a temperature high enough to kill harmful bacteria that can cause foodborne illnesses. This is particularly critical in meats, poultry, seafood, and dishes containing eggs, as undercooked food can lead to severe health risks.

While measuring the thickness of food, checking color, and timing the cooking process can all provide some information about food preparation, they do not ensure that the food is cooked safely. Color and texture alone may be misleading indicators of doneness, and relying solely on timing without temperature measurement could result in improperly cooked food. A food thermometer provides the most reliable method to ensure that food is not only cooked through but also safe to eat.