If a temperature reading for a refrigerated item is out of range, what should you do according to policy?

• A. Ignore the reading and continue operations.
• B. Immediately alert leadership and take corrective action per policy.
• C. Calibrate the thermometer without reporting.
• D. Record the reading as normal.

Answer: (B)

When a refrigerated item shows a temperature outside the acceptable range, the priority is to escalate the issue and follow the policy’s corrective actions. An out-of-range reading signals a potential safety risk, so you should immediately alert leadership and enact the approved steps to protect product and people. This usually means stopping or isolating the affected item, verifying the equipment and other temperatures, implementing the documented corrective actions, and recording what happened. Following the policy ensures consistent, safe handling and provides a clear record for accountability.

Ignoring the reading would risk unsafe food entering service. Calibrating the thermometer without reporting hides the problem and delays resolution. Recording the reading as normal masks the issue and bypasses required safety procedures.