If you cannot find the thermometer/probe, what is the appropriate action?

When faced with the situation of not being able to locate a thermometer or probe, utilizing an approved hand-held thermometer to take a manual temperature is the appropriate action. This ensures that you are accurately measuring the temperature of food items, which is crucial for food safety. Proper temperature control helps prevent foodborne illnesses, as many pathogens can thrive at unsafe temperatures.

Using an approved hand-held thermometer means you are still following established safety protocols, as these devices are designed to deliver accurate readings. This is essential in a restaurant or food service environment, where maintaining safe food temperatures is a legal and health requirement.

The other options do not prioritize safety. Estimating the temperature lacks accuracy and can lead to unsafe food being served. Choosing not to take any temperature eliminates critical safety checks entirely, which increases the risk of serving food that could be harmful. While using an alternative device may seem beneficial, it is only suitable if that device is also approved and calibrated for food safety use. Therefore, taking a manual temperature with a recognized thermometer stands out as the most effective and responsible choice in this scenario.