What should you do if you find a broken thermometer?

When a broken thermometer is found, the most appropriate and safe action is to dispose of it properly and replace it. A thermometer is a critical tool in food safety, used to monitor temperatures for cooking and storing food items to ensure they are at safe levels. If it is broken, it cannot provide accurate readings, which can lead to improper food handling and increase the risk of foodborne illness.

Using a broken thermometer could compromise food safety, as it might give false readings leading to hazardous practices, such as undercooking food or improperly refrigerating items. Simply reporting it or attempting to fix it does not solve the immediate issue of ensuring food is cooked or stored safely. Therefore, disposal and replacement are essential steps to maintain compliance with health regulations and to protect consumers' health.