Bite When the Temperature is Right

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Bite When the Temperature is Right

• Julie A. Albrecht, Extension Food Specialist
• Sarah E. Purcell, Extension Educator
• Cindy M. Brison, Extension Educator
• Andrea S. Nisley, Extension Educator

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Objectives

• Identify different thermometers
• Use the right thermometer for the right situation
• Calibrate a bimetallic stemmed thermometer
• Check the temperature of foods with a thermometer
  using the cooking temperature chart

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Why use a thermometer?

• Microorganisms (germs) cause foodborne illness
• Examples are
• E.coli O157H7 in ground meat
• Salmonella in poultry products
• Proper temperature is needed to kill these
  microorganisms to prevent foodborne illness

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Why use a thermometer?

• A study conducted at Kansas State University
  found
• Ground beef may turn brown before it is cooked to
  160 degrees F.
• This is NOT a safely cooked hamburger
  even though it is brown inside.
• Ground beef may be pink when it reaches 160
  degrees F.
• This IS a safely cooked hamburger
• even though it is pink inside
• Source http//origin-www.fsis.usda.gov/PDF/Therm
  ometers_Are_Key_FactSheet.pdf

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Why use a thermometer?
The study at Kansas State University found 1
out of every 4 hamburgers turns brown before it
is cooked to a safe internal temperature (160
degrees F)
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Checking food for doneness

• Consumer research indicates people use different
  indicators for doneness
• Color not pink
• Juices run clear
• Wiggling the leg of the turkey
• Only safe way to determine doneness is a
  thermometer

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Benefits of using a Thermometer

• Food is cooked to an internal temperature to kill
  the microorganisms FOOD is SAFE
• Avoid overcooking food
• Meat and poultry products are tender and moist

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Types of Thermometers

• Bimetallic-coil Thermometer
• Meat Thermometer
• Digital Thermometer
• Thermistor Thermometer
• Thermometer Fork
• Liquid filled
• Disposable single-use Temperature Indicators
• Appliance Thermometers
• Refrigerator/Freezer Thermometer
• Oven Thermometer

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Bimetalic-Coil Thermometer
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Meat Thermometers
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Digital Instant Read
Oven Cord Thermometers
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Digital Food Thermometers

• Thermistor Thermometer (not oven safe)

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Thermometer Fork
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Liquid-filled Thermometer
Candy Thermometer
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Disposable Single-use Temperature Indicators
Sometimes referred to as Time-Temperature
Indicators (TTI)
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Appliance Thermometers
Refrigerator/Freezer Thermometers
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Oven Thermometer
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Safe Cooking Temperatures

• Ground beef 160 degrees F
• Ground chicken/turkey 165 degrees F
• Whole chicken/turkey 165 degrees F

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Where to insert the Thermometer
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Where to insert the Thermometer
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Clean Your Thermometer

• After every use
• Check the manufacturers directions
• Most thermometers cannot be submerged in water
• Wash thermometer probe with soap and water
• Thermometers can be sanitize by placing probe in
  a
• solution of 1 tsp bleach/ gal of water
• OR wipe with purchased alcohol pads

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Calibrating a thermometer
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• Extension is a Division of the Institute of
  Agriculture and Natural Resources at the
  University of NebraskaLincoln cooperating with
  the Counties and the United States Department of
  Agriculture.
• University of NebraskaLincoln Extension
  educational programs abide with the
  nondiscrimination policies of the University of
  NebraskaLincoln and the United States Department
  of Agriculture.