Sanitation Certification Practice Test

Which type of thermometer measures the internal temperature of foods?

1. Infrared thermometer

2. Penetration probe

3. Air probe

4. Surface probe

The correct answer is: Penetration probe

The penetration probe is designed specifically to measure the internal temperature of foods. It is a crucial tool in food safety, as it allows for the accurate measurement of temperature at the center of thick foods, such as roasts or casseroles, where it is essential to ensure that the food has reached a safe temperature to kill harmful bacteria. This type of probe typically has a sharp tip that can easily penetrate the food, providing a quick and accurate reading of the internal temperature. This capability is vital for confirming that food is cooked sufficiently, thereby helping to prevent foodborne illnesses and ensuring that food is safe for consumption. Other types of probes serve different purposes. For instance, an infrared thermometer measures surface temperature without direct contact, which is useful for quick checks but does not provide an internal temperature reading. An air probe is intended for measuring the air temperature in coolers or ovens, while a surface probe is used to measure the temperature of the surface of food items. Each of these alternative options plays an important role in food safety but does not directly assess the internal temperature of foods.