Health Tip: Using a Food Thermometer

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(HealthDay News) -- Using a food thermometer can help ensure that food is cooked properly, reducing your risk of a food-borne illness.

The U.S. Food Safety and Inspection Service offers these suggestions:

• Test food with an instant-read thermometer toward the end of its cooking time, but before you expect it to be fully cooked.
• Place the thermometer in the thickest area of the food, and make sure it is not touching any bone, gristle or fat.
• Use the U.S. Department of Agriculture's recommended guidelines to make sure your food is cooked to a safe temperature.
• Always use hot water and soap to wash your thermometer before and after each use.

-- Diana Kohnle

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