(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.
