What is the main purpose of a food thermometer?

The primary purpose of a food thermometer is to ensure that food is cooked to the correct internal temperature. This is crucial for food safety, as cooking food to the appropriate temperature helps eliminate harmful pathogens that can cause foodborne illnesses. Different foods have specific temperature milestones that must be reached to ensure safety, such as poultry needing to reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

While measuring humidity, checking freshness, and monitoring serving temperatures are important aspects of food quality and safety, they do not directly relate to the specific function of a food thermometer. A thermometer’s design and purpose focus on assessing the internal heat of food items to guarantee they are cooked enough to be safe for consumption, which is why option B stands out as the correct answer.