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PFPriority Foundation · FDA Food Code 4-502.11 · 10 days (Priority Foundation)

How to fix: Thermometer Not Calibrated or Inaccurate

A food thermometer was found to be inaccurate, had not been calibrated, or calibration records were unavailable.

What this violation means

FDA Food Code 4-502.11 requires that food temperature measuring devices be calibrated in accordance with manufacturer specifications as often as needed to ensure accuracy. A thermometer that reads 5°F high could indicate that chicken reaching 160°F is at 165°F — allowing undercooked food to pass a temperature check. Conversely, a thermometer reading low could cause overcooking and food waste. Inspectors test thermometers using ice water (32°F ± 2°F) or boiling water (212°F at sea level ± 2°F) and review calibration logs. Uncalibrated thermometers are a Priority Foundation violation because they undermine the entire temperature monitoring system.

Step-by-step: how to fix this before re-inspection

1Calibrate all probe thermometers immediately using the ice-water method: fill a cup with ice and cold water, insert the probe, and adjust to 32°F
2Replace any thermometer that cannot be calibrated to within ±2°F
3Start a thermometer calibration log recording: date, thermometer ID, reading before calibration, adjustment made, and initials
4Calibrate thermometers daily — at minimum at the start of each shift and any time a thermometer is dropped
5Train all kitchen staff on how to calibrate a thermometer and how to read the result

What the inspector rechecks at re-inspection

WHAT THE INSPECTOR CHECKS

Inspectors do not just look at the surface. For this violation, expect them to verify:

☐Tests probe thermometers in ice water (should read 32°F ± 2°F) or boiling water
☐Asks staff when thermometers were last calibrated and how calibration is performed
☐Reviews calibration log entries for frequency and method
☐Checks for a calibration wrench and instructions with each thermometer
☐Inspects condition of thermometers — bent probes or damaged displays affect accuracy

How to prevent this violation from recurring

Keep a calibration log at each thermometer station and require staff to initial it each shift
Replace thermometers on a 12-month schedule or sooner if accuracy is questionable
Store thermometers in a designated holder — not loose in a drawer where probes can bend

Related violations to check

No Thermometer in Cold Holding Unit→Cold Holding Temperature Abuse→Insufficient Cooking Temperature→
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This document is for informational purposes only. It is not legal advice and does not guarantee a passing re-inspection score. Always verify requirements with your local health department. Fix steps are based on FDA Food Code 4-502.11; individual jurisdictions may have additional requirements.

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