Food Safety Magazine, February/March 2008

break under normal use and become a physical food contaminant.

• For utility, we found that the carrying case should hold the thermometer securely anywhere along the stem. This allows for its placement on refrigerator racks or other wire surfaces. Therefore, the traditional plastic case with a metal clip is much preferred to the newer molded all-plastic cases, which simply do not hold the thermometer securely other than when it is fully depressed in the case.

The pocket bi-metal thermometer that still best meets these criteria without stretching the budget is the Pocket Test Thermometer, Part Number B1098M82C- 5.0 manufactured by the • MILJOCO Corp.

Thermocouple Thermometer. For critical temperature measurements, the nee-dle-probe thermocouple thermometer is preferred thermometric device, and for good reason. The thermocouple thermometer is convenient, fast responding, rugged and accurate. While all thermocouple thermometers demonstrate about

the same performance, there are distinct differences between brands. Over the past 15 years, we evaluated more than a dozen of the more common units • found in the field and used by local sanitarians. The ones we favor have a few characteristics in common:

• If we only need or use a needle probe, we appreciate having the K-type connector integral with the unit. This ensures a tight waterproof connection that does not serve as a catch area for food and debris. It also avoids any sharp edges from the male plug to cord connection. More than once I’ve skinned a finger on such an appurtenance.

We really appreciate having our thermocouple thermometer powered by the less expensive and more convenient AA size battery rather than the 9-volt battery. The AA batter compartment with a waterproof screw-type closure makes it easier to service and ensures a sealed unit if it becomes wet.

• Any thermocouple thermometer

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used in the field should be NSF listed to ensure compliance with ANSI/NSF Standard 51.

Because the thermocouple thermometer is the most frequent used during an audit or inspection; the display should be easy to read. Backlighting is an exceptionally nice feature.

• The thermometer case housing the electronics should be rugged and cleanable. We tend to shy away from units that have a rubber sleeve because it tends to trap for food particles and debris between the sleeve and the unit. We also found similar problems with units where the probe is stored within a sleeve that is part of the housing.

As with many instruments, accuracy and utility come at a price. The best thermocouple thermometers are not the least expensive. For these reasons, we are quite partial to the Cooper Atkins Accu Tuff model numbers 33032 and 34032. Both units come with a needle probe

When conducting HACCP audits, the thermocouple thermometer has to accept a variety of probes. Almost any unit that meets our original criteria will be suitable; although we still favor those powered by AA batteries such as the Atkins Versa Tuff Series 386 or 396. In addition, the Comark C28 K type is also nicely designed and versatile. The case is comfortable in the hand and is easily cleanable. In addition, it features a clock, timer and hold function. I would be remiss if I did not mention the newest units that combine a K-type probe with a PDA device. These are far more functional for in-plant work than in the field; the displays are cluttered and not well suited for multitasking when performing an inspection or audit.

I use about nine different K-type probes for most comprehensive HACCP audits. The probes are purchased from several different vendors based on my preferences of their geometry and convenience of use. I also found it quite handy to have a coiled retractable extension cable in my HACCP kit to access those hard-to-reach places.