Are there specifications for a “suitable small-diameter probe that is designed to measure the temperature of thin masses”?
ยง229.165(h)(3) There are no specific requirements for small diameter probes stated in the TFER. Thin foods are considered to be foods that have a thickness of less than 0.5 inch. In the Public Health Reasons, Annex 3 of the FDA Food Code, FDA states that temperature measurements in thin foods can be accurately measured using a small diameter probe 1.5 mm or less connected to a device such as a thermocouple thermometer. This does not mean that only thermometers with probes of 1.5 mm or less are acceptable, or that it must be a thermocouple thermometer. A thermometer is acceptable if the probe can be inserted into the product so that there is an equal amount of food surrounding the temperature sensing point and if the temperature sensing point is at or near the tip of the probe.
