What type of thermometer is used to measure the temperature of food and equipment surfaces?

The correct choice is the infrared thermometer, which is designed specifically for measuring the surface temperature of food and equipment without direct contact. This type of thermometer works by detecting the infrared radiation emitted by an object, allowing for quick and accurate readings of surface temperatures. This is particularly useful in food service environments where surface temperatures are important for ensuring food safety, as it allows for immediate checks without the risk of cross-contamination.

While other types of thermometers, such as bimetallic stemmed thermometers and penetration probes, are crucial for measuring internal temperatures of food, they are not suitable for measuring surface temperatures. A bimetallic stemmed thermometer is primarily designed for thick foods and requires insertion to accurately measure temperature, while a penetration probe is used for checking the internal temperature of food items. The surface probe is designed to measure temperatures of flat surfaces, but infrared thermometers are more versatile, providing the advantage of non-contact measurements.