A short podcast about everyday risks from germs

ChatGPT image description: A slim-probe digital food thermometer is held under a running faucet, its metal tip directly in the water stream. The display reads 84°F. Water splashes around the stainless-steel sink, creating droplets and motion. The close-up composition emphasizes cleaning the temperature probe after use.

865. Cleaning a Food Thermometer With Just Water

December 19, 2025 by Don Schaffner

Dr. Don and Professor Ben talk about the risks of cleaning a food thermometer with just water.

Dr. Don - not risky 👍🏼
Professor Ben - not risky 👍🏼

Cleaning and Other Control and Validation Strategies To Prevent Allergen Cross-Contact in Food-Processing Operations - ScienceDirect
Evaluation of the potential for electronic thermometers to contribute to spread of healthcare-associated pathogens - ScienceDirect

A frazzled Canadian food microbiologist stands on a beach house deck, clutching raw burger patties and staring in panic at a grill. Behind him, his relaxed family enjoys the seaside view. A cooler and beach towels add to the vacation setting, contrasting his anxiety over a missing meat thermometer.

804. Ben's Missing Thermometer

July 30, 2025 by Don Schaffner

Dr. Don and Professor Ben talk about the risks from eating a beef hamburger cooked by Professor Ben without a thermometer.

Dr. Don - not risky 👍🏼
Professor Ben - not risky 👍🏼

DALL·E: A roasted turkey sits on a platter, humorously featuring a popped-up timer in the foreground signaling it's done. In the background, a meat thermometer ironically shows the internal temperature is only 100°F. The scene is set on a bright kitchen counter, highlighting the amusing contradiction in the cooking process.

694. Relying on a Pop Up Thermometer

November 15, 2024 by Don Schaffner

Dr. Don and Professor Ben talk about the risks from relying on a pop up thermometer.

Dr. Don - risky ☣️
Professor Ben - risky ☣️

RIP OPS

558. Not Sanitizing a Food Thermometer

January 03, 2024 by Don Schaffner

Dr. Don and Professor Ben talk about the risks of not sanitizing a food thermometer between uses.

Dr. Don - not risky 👍🏼
Professor Ben - not risky 👍🏼

63. Reusing a Meat Thermometer

November 04, 2020 by Don Schaffner

Dr. Don and Professor Ben talk about the risks of reusing a meat thermometer.

Dr. Don - not risky 👍🏼

Professor Ben - not risky 👍🏼