Illinois Food Service License Practice Test 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The correct answer is infrared thermometer. This type of thermometer detects temperature from a distance by measuring the infrared radiation emitted by an object. Infrared thermometers are particularly useful in food service settings as they allow for quick and non-contact readings, which can help maintain food safety standards by ensuring that food is cooked and stored at proper temperatures without risking contamination from direct contact.

The other types of thermometers—refrigeration, bimetallic stemmed, and thermocouple—require physical contact with the item whose temperature is being measured. Refrigeration thermometers are typically used to monitor the temperature of refrigeration units, while bimetallic stemmed thermometers measure temperature through a metal probe inserted into the food. Thermocouples also utilize a probe but provide quick readings and can be inserted into food; however, both these types still require physical contact with the item. This makes infrared thermometers particularly advantageous in scenarios where speed and sanitation are critical.