A food thermometer is required for all situations except:

A food thermometer is an essential tool in food safety as it ensures that food is cooked to the proper internal temperature, preventing foodborne illnesses. In situations involving cooking meat, preparing desserts, and serving temperature checks, the use of a food thermometer is crucial.

Cooking meat requires monitoring its internal temperature to ensure it reaches a safe level to eliminate harmful bacteria. For desserts, especially those that involve eggs or dairy, a thermometer helps ensure that they are cooked adequately for safety and quality. Serving temperature checks are also necessary to ensure that food remains at a safe temperature when served, preventing the growth of pathogens.

However, when making a trash run, the use of a food thermometer is not applicable. This activity is unrelated to food preparation or serving and does not involve monitoring temperature for safety. In this context, the thermometer does not play a role, validating that a food thermometer is not required in this specific situation.