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