How should you use a thermometer to check internal temperatures?

• A. Insert into the thickest part of the item, not touching bone, and check in at least two places for accuracy
• B. Insert into the thinnest part of the item and check in one place for accuracy
• C. Insert into the center and touch bone to calibrate
• D. Use a surface thermometer on the outside only

Answer: (A)

Accurate internal temperature is reached by placing the thermometer in the thickest part of the item, not touching bone, and checking in at least two places for accuracy when the item is large or irregular. The thickest part is the last area to reach doneness, so measuring there ensures the entire item has reached a safe temperature. Avoid touching bone because bone conducts heat differently than meat and can give an unrepresentative reading. Checking more than one spot helps confirm even cooking throughout the item. Using a surface thermometer on the outside only won’t reflect the internal temperature, and inserting into the thinnest part or calibrating by touching bone would lead to inaccurate results.