The U.S. Department of Agriculture today launched a national consumer education campaign to promote the use of food thermometers in the home. Using a food thermometer is the best way to ensure that food has reached a temperature high enough to destroy harmful bacteria.
Most people think they know when food is done by trusting their experience or the color of meat.
This can be misleading. One out of four hamburgers turns brown in the middle before it has reached a safe internal temperature, according to recent USDA research. The new public education campaign includes a televised public service announcement and informational materials for consumers, educators, and health professionals. A number of grocery chains around the country including, Giant Food Inc. of Md., Tops, BI-LO, Stop and Shop, Giant Food Stores of Pa., Wegmans, Schnuck Markets, Spartan Foods, Big Y, Supervalu, Richfoods, Farm Fresh, Albertsons, Kings Super Markets, and the thermometer industry are also participating in this public effort.