Keeping food safe with Timestrip indicators

Changing seasons, global warming, customs delays – these can all make food supply chain management more of a challenge than ever. Many foodstuffs suffer spoilage if exposed to too high a temperature, while others are sensitive to cold and need a freeze alert, but simple tools are available to monitor ambient conditions and provide alerts if breaches to expected conditions are detected.

New regulations make it mandatory to implement formal procedures for food handling. For example, the US FDA will introduce a new food traceability rule in November 2022. 

Timestrip food indicators can:

• Reduce product spoilage and wastage
• Help suppliers to comply with local and national regulations
• Demonstrate a commitment to responsible quality assurance systems and good manufacturing practices

Timestrip liquid-based temperature indicators

Timestrip produces a wide range of indicators based on reliable chemical processes, from the Timestrip PLUS 170 that produces an alert at -20ºC, to the Timestrip PLUS 171 that reacts at 38ºC, there are stock products available to suit every need. For food monitoring, a popular choice is the Timestrip PLUS 065 with an alert set at 8ºC ascending and an indication of how long the set temperature has been breached – up to 8 hours.

The single use indicators are easily activated and read with little or no training required. Some are designed with FDA compliance in mind.

For picking and packing of fresh fruit and vegetables, indicator labels can be attached to punnets for example. Dairy products such as ice cream may use a Timestrip PLUS 058 -14ºC label ascending, and for frozen shipments of any kind, a Timestrip PLUS 077 0ºC ascending indicator is ideal. While foods sensitive to freezing can benefit from a freeze alert indicator such as the Timestrip neo Freeze Alarm.

Timestrip liquid-based time indicators

For high value goods, a Timestrip Time 24 month time indicator can provide stock rotation / shelf life monitoring for up to 24 months.

A unique serial number on each indicator make these products completely traceable as part of a quality management system.

Food temperature data recording

For applications where a record of temperature data is required, the Timestrip Micro Data Logger TL520 is a compact and economical ‘micro data logger’ that provides alerts when temperatures breach set limits, and allows the logged data to be downloaded to an app for investigation and analysis. Simpler and easier to use than conventional data loggers, the TL520 requires minimal training in use, and can be used at any point in the cold chain.

The 2-8ºC default settings make the TL520 ideal for monitoring cold chain (refrigerated) temperatures in the storage and transport of foods.

Package level electronic monitoring

Timestrip neo indicators are specially designed electronic devices that are cost effective, accurate and reliable, and so support the actions required to manage the food hygiene and safety procedures in food businesses, and ensure that end customers enjoy the highest quality product.

Timestrip neo indicators:

• Give accurate and reliable visual alerts to breaches in temperature level and duration
• Are small and robust enough to travel with the product throughout the supply chain
• Are suitable for field or factory use - simple to use and read
• Are much cheaper than conventional data loggers
• Include a unique serial number printed on each indicator for traceability

The Timestrip neo Fridge TT525-AB stock product indicates at -0.5C, 2C and 8C, with time monitoring for the 8ºC level. It can therefore be ideal for monitoring all types of frozen and chilled foods, fresh fish and other seafood, meat, salads, vegetables etc.

Have questions about monitoring food with Timestrip? Contact us today.