What is the first step in properly sanitizing a food thermometer?

The process of properly sanitizing a food thermometer begins with wiping off food particles. This step is critical because any food residues can interfere with the sanitization process. If the thermometer is not clean before being sanitized, the sanitizing solution or method may not effectively eliminate bacteria, leading to potential cross-contamination when the thermometer is used for future food measurements.

Removing food particles ensures that the surface of the thermometer is as clean as possible, allowing the sanitizing solution to work effectively. After this initial cleaning, the thermometer can then be sanitized properly, which might involve using a sanitizing solution or an alcohol wipe. However, the effectiveness of the sanitizing step hinges on the absence of any food debris which could harbor microorganisms.

Other choices, such as inserting into a sanitizing solution or wiping with an alcohol wipe, are important steps in the sanitization process, but they cannot be properly executed if the thermometer is first contaminated with food particles.