GoKawiilFood safety experts point to meat thermometers as key defense against salmonella outbreaks
As salmonella outbreaks spread across more than 30 states this summer, affecting products from eggs to nut butters, WIRED's cooking technology reviewer highlights that proper cooking temperatures remain the most reliable way to kill the bacteria. Despite most households owning a food thermometer, surveys show over 70 percent of Americans rarely use one to check whether food has reached safe internal temperatures.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
Warmer, wetter conditions linked to climate change are expanding the seasonal window and geographic spread of foodborne bacteria like salmonella, making home cooking practices more consequential for public health. A cheap, underused kitchen tool—an accurate instant-read thermometer—can meaningfully reduce illness risk when recalls and outbreaks are increasingly common.
- Salmonella outbreaks span over 30 states with recalls covering eggs, greens powders, nut butters and more.
- Cooking above 165°F kills salmonella almost instantly, making thermometers a critical safety tool.
- Most Americans own a food thermometer but rarely use it, undermining a simple, effective safety measure.
ThermoWorks Thermapen ONE Instant-Read Thermometer — If cooking to a verified safe temperature is the best defense against salmonella, an instant-read probe is the tool that tells you the truth instead of guessing. The Thermapen ONE is the gold standard for checking chicken thighs, burgers, and casseroles in a second, right at the thickest part. It's the one kitchen gadget that turns "probably done" into "definitely safe.
See ThermoWorks Thermapen ONE Instant-Read Thermometer on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: wired.com — Matthew Korfhage, 2026-08-24
Published there as: “The Best Kitchen Gadget to Prevent Salmonella Is a Good Meat Probe”
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