Taking Temperatures	

Use a metal stem thermometer, digital thermometer or thermocouple unit to monitor temperatures of potentially hazardous foods.

Clean then sanitize your thermometer probe with a single-use alcohol wipe or other approved sanitizer.

Taking Temperatures:  
 
Insert the probe into the center, or thickest part of the food; between the fold of flexible packaged food, or between packages of food.  Do NOT puncture the packaging!

•	Metal stem thermometer with dial:  Must be in the food up to and just past the dimple in the stem.

•	Metal stem thermometer with digital readout:  3/4 inch of the stem must be in the food.

•	Thermocouple:  Will register temperature at the tip of the probe.

State of Alaska
Division of Environmental Health	

Food Safety & Sanitation Program
www.state.ak.us/dec/eh