How far should the indicating and temperature recording thermometer probes extend into the product?

The requirement for the indicating and temperature recording thermometer probes to extend fully into the product is essential for accurate temperature readings. When the probes are fully immersed, they can accurately measure the temperature of the product throughout its entirety, providing a reliable indication of whether the pasteurization process is effective.

This full immersion ensures that any variations in temperature throughout the product are captured, which is critical in pasteurization processes where maintaining specific temperature thresholds is necessary to ensure safety and efficacy. Accurate and reliable temperature readings are vital for preventing foodborne illnesses and ensuring that the pasteurization process effectively eliminates harmful microorganisms.

In contrast, if the probes extend only halfway or merely touch the surface, they may not accurately represent the temperature of the entire product mass. Surface temperatures can significantly differ from the temperatures deeper in the product, leading to potential inadequacies in achieving safe pasteurization. Therefore, the requirement to fully immerse the probes is established to uphold safety standards in food processing.