What is the outcome of not using a thermometer when preparing food?

Not using a thermometer when preparing food can lead to the potential for food contamination because it prevents the cook from accurately determining whether food has reached a safe temperature. Cooking food to the proper internal temperature is essential for killing harmful bacteria and pathogens that can cause foodborne illnesses. If food is not cooked adequately, it may harbor dangerous microorganisms, posing a significant health risk to consumers.

Using a thermometer ensures that meat, poultry, seafood, and other foods are cooked to the recommended temperatures, thereby minimizing the risk of foodborne illnesses. Therefore, the outcome of not utilizing a thermometer is a higher risk of food contamination, making it crucial to always use this tool when cooking.