How should the temperature of a shipment of cottage cheese be checked upon arrival?

The most effective way to check the temperature of a shipment of cottage cheese upon arrival is to place the thermometer into an opened container. This method ensures an accurate reading of the product's internal temperature, which is crucial for food safety. By directly measuring the temperature inside the container, you can confirm whether the cottage cheese has been maintained at a safe temperature throughout transit.

Checking the outside of the package does not accurately reflect the internal temperature of food products, as external temperatures can fluctuate due to various conditions and may not indicate whether the food inside is safe to consume. Measuring the temperature of the package alone may provide misleading information about the actual product's temperature. Similarly, using a temperature strip on the carton might provide a quick gauge, but it may not offer the most reliable internal temperature reading needed for proper food safety verification. Opening the container and directly measuring the temperature inside provides the most accurate assessment of its safety for consumption.