How far must a bimetallic stemmed thermometer be inserted into food for an accurate reading?

The bimetallic stemmed thermometer is designed to measure the temperature of food accurately, and it must be inserted to the correct depth for valid readings. The correct depth is up to the dimple in the thermometer stem. This dimple marks the critical point where temperature is accurately measured because it indicates the point where the sensing area of the thermometer ends, ensuring that the temperature readings reflect the actual temperature of the food itself and not just the surface or air around it.

Inserting the thermometer beyond the dimple could lead to incorrect readings, especially if it penetrates too deep into the food and encompasses different temperature zones. Conversely, inserting only the tip, especially for thin foods, would not provide an accurate reading because it might not adequately reflect the core temperature of the food. This makes it crucial to follow the recommended insertion depth up to the dimple for reliable temperature assessment in food safety.