What Accuracy Must a Food Probe Thermometer Have?

The FDA Food Code 2026 specifies ±1°C for Celsius-only or dual-scale food temperature devices and ±2°F for Fahrenheit-only devices, throughout the intended range of use. Check which food code your jurisdiction has adopted.

The FDA Food Code expresses the tolerance as ±1°C for Celsius or dual-scale devices and ±2°F for Fahrenheit-only devices. Those are regulatory tolerances, not an exact unit conversion of one another.

USDA consumer guidance says most food thermometers read within 2–4°F, but individual specifications vary. Compare the maker's stated accuracy across the temperatures you will actually measure.

The Code's accuracy rule applies to food temperature measuring devices by displayed scale, rather than giving bimetallic probes a separate tolerance. Dial bimetallic probes also need enough stem inserted to cover their sensing area.

USDA recommends an ice-water check for most thermometers: keep the sensing area away from the glass, wait for a stable reading, and look for 32°F. Adjust only as the manufacturer's instructions allow; replace a device that remains outside its specified tolerance.