Starbucks Food Safety Practice Exam

Why are glass thermometers prohibited in food service establishments?

1. They're too expensive to replace

2. They can break and create a safety hazard

3. They are not accurate

4. They don’t measure temperature accurately

The correct answer is: They can break and create a safety hazard

Glass thermometers are prohibited in food service establishments primarily due to the safety hazards they pose when broken. When a glass thermometer shatters, it can create sharp glass fragments that may injure staff or customers. Additionally, the mercury or alcohol inside these thermometers can spill, posing further health risks and potential contamination of food and surfaces. Maintaining a safe environment in food service is crucial, which is why glass thermometers are often replaced with more durable and safer alternatives, such as digital thermometers that do not have breakable components.