What is the purpose of using a thermometer while cooking?

Using a thermometer while cooking is essential to ensure that food reaches a safe internal temperature. This is important for food safety, as different foods have specific temperature thresholds that must be reached to eliminate harmful bacteria and pathogens that can cause foodborne illnesses. For example, poultry must be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to ensure it is safe to eat. Monitoring the internal temperature helps cooks guarantee that the food they are preparing is not only safe but also meets regulatory standards for food preparation.

Relying solely on visual cues, such as the color of the food or cooking time, can be misleading, as food can appear fully cooked on the outside while remaining undercooked on the inside. Additionally, measuring how much seasoning to add does not relate to internal cooking temperatures and can vary based on personal taste preferences rather than safety standards. Therefore, using a thermometer provides an accurate and reliable method for ensuring food is cooked safely and properly.