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The Best Way to Monitor Temperature

Despite food temperature being a hot topic (pardon the pun), there doesn’t seem to be much discussion on how to monitor it. In this article, I want to briefly cover the different types of thermometers and temperature loggers, as well as their practical use, both for EHOs as well as within restaurants, cafes, and caterers. This goes beyond “standards” and looks at best practices.

Thermometers

These devices offer a direct readout of the current temperature, typically through a probe that’s inserted into the substance or environment being measured. They are straightforward and commonly used for quick temperature checks, such as in hospitality fridges.

Infrared Thermometers

Instead of physical contact, these thermometers measure temperature by detecting the infrared radiation emitted by an object’s surface. They are convenient for measuring surface temperatures without touching the object, but users should be trained to use them effectively.

Min/Max Thermometers

These instruments not only display the current temperature but also track and display the minimum and maximum temperatures recorded since the last reset. They’re particularly useful for monitoring temperature fluctuations over time, such as in vaccine storage, where maintaining consistent temperature ranges is critical.

Thermometers on Controllers 

Unlike standalone thermometers, these devices are integrated into systems that both monitor and sometimes regulate temperature, such as in refrigerators with digital temperature displays and control panels. While they offer convenience, they lack the independent verification provided by separate monitoring devices.

Temperature Loggers 

Temperature loggers provide comprehensive data logging capabilities, recording temperature readings over time. They offer insights beyond current temperature, such as when temperature excursions occurred, how long they lasted, and when they were resolved. Cloud-based loggers offer real-time monitoring and alerts, enhancing food safety protocols by providing timely notifications of temperature deviations.

Chef using tweezers to plate up food

EHO Applications

Thermometers

A thermometer is the ideal way to do a spot test on fridges and freezers. Infrared thermometers make this process very quick and easy, but you need to understand their limitations. A probe thermometer is ideal for testing the core temperature of food. It provides an instant spot check on the current temperature.

Temperature Loggers

An underutilised tool for EHOs is temperature loggers. For example, it is possible to have a temperature logger either left on-site or sent prior to a visit and have an extended period of time monitoring a fridge or freezer. This is the ultimate level of accountability for a restaurant. There are also many brands of temperature loggers, such as Logtag, that allow you to have a password to stop others accessing the data. While this may not be needed for the majority of facilities, it is an incredibly powerful tool to help monitor the handful of problem sites.

Food Handling Applications

Transport Vehicles

Refrigerated vehicles typically have temperature displays, but relying solely on these may overlook issues like drivers turning off refrigeration to save fuel. Using temperature loggers in transport vehicles can provide detailed insights into temperature fluctuations and identify issues like prolonged temperature deviations due to external factors like steep hills.

Shipping and Deliveries

Receivers often use thermometers, including infrared ones, to spot-check temperatures upon delivery. While not perfect, this practice provides some assurance regarding temperature conditions during transit. Including temperature loggers with shipments offers better visibility and can quickly identify temperature-related issues, especially for sensitive items. Loggers with built-in USB connectors facilitate easy data retrieval.

Storage

While fridge displays show current temperatures, periodic checks with independent thermometers are necessary. Temperature loggers offer a superior solution by providing unbiased and reliable data, especially when integrated into cloud-based monitoring systems like Clever Logger.

Cooking

Thermometers are essential for ensuring food reaches and maintains safe cooking temperatures. For complex processes requiring precise temperature control over time, thermochron temperature loggers offer detailed analysis and validation of cooking processes.

Cooling

Temperature discrepancies, such as wraps with core temperatures above 5°C despite fridge temperatures being adequate, highlight the importance of proper cooling procedures. Thermochron loggers help identify cooling timelines and validate cooling processes, preventing misinterpretations of refrigeration issues.

Preparing

Monitoring food preparation focuses more on adherence to procedures and minimising preparation times rather than temperature monitoring. Tracking whole items split into multiple portions can be challenging, necessitating rigorous procedural controls to ensure compliance with food safety standards.

What is covered with our shipping insurance?

Our normal terms and conditions (like most businesses) is that you take possession the moment an order ships. If the order is lost or damaged in transit then, in theory, it’s your problem. In reality we will have a conversation and try to work out a good way to resolve the issue where we are both happy (or not too upset).

Shipping insurance is there to remove the drama. If an order is lost or damaged in transit, we will simply send out a replacement, and we will then deal with the courier directly to resolve the original problem.

Our shipping insurance also means that if an order is delayed beyond what is normal and reasonable then we will send you another shipment (stock levels permitting). Then you should receive one of them sooner, and when the second one arrives you simply Return To Sender.

How much is shipping insurance?

Shipping insurance is 5% of the cost of the goods.

Is it worth it? Practically we have had far less than 5% of shipments have problems. It is, however, what Australia Post and other couriers charge. Ultimately insurance is about peace of mind and less hassle when something does go wrong.

Shipping insurance as an option

Shipping insurance is offered as an option on all our web sites. You can select it at the checkout.

For large orders our staff may also ask if you would like shipping insurance.

If you would like shipping insurance on an order you are placing with us, just ask.

Mandatory shipping insurance

Unfortunately we have had a couple of large orders not make it and then the customer refused to pay. A friend suggested that the easy way to avoid the dispute is to insure any shipments where we have a significant risk.

If you would like an immediate line of credit (30 days to pay) and have the goods ship immediately (no credit check delays) and are purchasing over $500 then we will add shipping insurance to your order.

The shipping insurance can be waived if the order is between $500 and $2,000 and you provide us with a formal confirmation that you accept responsibility of the goods once they ship.

Alternatively you can prepay by direct deposit or credit card.

What is not covered?

If there is a clear proof of delivery to the shipping address provided then we class that as delivered. Unfortunately there are cases where it is lost somewhere between the loading dock or receptionist and ending up in your hands. But we also know that a photo of the bag against a generic grey background is not proof of delivery, it is just proof of existence! It needs to be a reasonable proof of delivery.

It also doesn’t cover the expectation of overnight delivery. For example, if we were to ship to Melbourne (we are in Sydney) then we would expect it to be delivered within about 3 days. Most of the time it is overnight, but there are enough floods and other issues that regularly cause minor delays. Sending a second order the next day tends to not fix the problem. If it is super urgent, talk to us about how we can minimise the risk.

For damage claims we ask that you contact us immediately and we will probably ask for photos or some proof. The shipping insurance doesn’t cover claims weeks later. We do have warranty covering our items, but it excludes physical damage (e.g. being dropped). If the goods are damaged in transit then please let us know ASAP so we can cover it under the shipping insurance.