Chicken Farmers of Canada
If you don’t already own a food thermometer, it’s one of the best tools you can have in your kitchen. Did you know that foods, such as meat and poultry, start forming bacteria between 40º and 140ºF? Having a food thermometer will ensure that your food is cooked properly, reducing any risk of foodborne illness. Before you head out to find one, there are a few things you should know.
First of all, food thermometers come in various styles and are available at most grocery, kitchen and hardware stores. They range in price based on the certain features, so make sure you find one that suits your cooking needs. Avoid buying a thermometer with temperature ranges. Foods should be cooked to an exact doneness, especially poultry.
If you’re not sure to what temperature your food should be cooked, click on this link to Health Canada’s Safe Food Handling section. For chicken doneness temperatures, click on this link to view the Chicken Cooking Times chart provided by the Chicken Farmers of Canada. You may want to print these out and put them up in your kitchen for a quick reference.
Fork Thermometer
It looks like a fork and feels like a fork, but it’s actually a powerful thermometer that can read food temperatures within 2-10 seconds. The fork thermometer must be placed at least ¼” deep in the thickest part of the food.
Pop-up Thermometer
This clever thermometer stays inside a food while its cooking, then “pops up” when the desired internal temperature is reached.
Thermocouple
This high-tech thermometer works by registering the internal temperature on a handset that is attached to the sensor by a cord. This kind of thermometer stays in the food while it is cooking and gives very quick readings (within 2-5 seconds). It needs to be placed ¼” deeper into the thickest part of the food.
Once you’ve purchased your food thermometer, read the manufacturer instructions before putting it to use. Remember, the reason you are using a food thermometer is to make sure the food you are eating is safe and free from bacteria, so don’t forget to wash your thermometer stem with hot soapy water between uses.
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