15 - Temperature monitoring and measurement

Abstract

The safety and quality of chilled foods in the cold chain from harvest or slaughter to consumption relies upon the food being maintained at a sufficiently low temperature to prevent growth of bacterial pathogens and to minimize growth of spoilage microbes. Consequently, temperature measurement and monitoring is an integral part of any food management system as well as being, in many areas of the cold chain, a legislative requirement. Without means to monitor and measure temperatures within the food cold chain, the safety and quality of food can be compromised. Therefore, the accuracy of temperature measurement and the interpretation of data are paramount in the management of the cold chain. The last few years have seen an enormous advance in computer and communications technology permitting real-time status information on vehicles, chill stores and retail display cabinets. Satellite tracking systems (GPS) can follow a vehicle's position and give total information about the refrigeration and engine systems to its depot. Retail display cases can also have integrated temperature and humidity control to ensure the full shelf-life of non-pre-packed foods. Thus, temperature measurement can be part of an integrated management, safety and quality system.