How often should a food thermometer be calibrated?

The correct approach is to calibrate a food thermometer after it fails validation. Calibration is crucial to ensure that the thermometer provides accurate temperature readings, which is essential for food safety. Thermometers can drift in their measurements due to various factors, including wear and tear, exposure to extreme temperatures, or physical shocks.

It's not sufficient to simply calibrate the thermometer on a fixed schedule like once a day, once a week, or once a month, as these timeframes may not correlate with how the thermometer is used or how often it might become inaccurate. Instead, checking and calibrating the thermometer when it fails a validation check ensures that it remains reliable and safe for use, allowing for proper food temperature control and preventing potential foodborne illnesses.