Food Service Temperature Monitoring Systems: Why They’re So Important
When dining at their favorite restaurant, food safety is not always top of mind for the everyday patron. Customers expect establishments to serve food that is high quality and free from illness risks. Behind kitchen doors and across the food service industry, food safety remains the most important business priority.
As of 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), estimated that 48 million people become sick from foodborne illnesses annually. Because of this, businesses must maintain the highest food quality standards. Otherwise, they risk lawsuits, fines, penalties, or even forced closure.
Although this may sound alarming, technology in the food service industry has advanced significantly. Food service temperature monitoring systems are now more sophisticated and easier to implement than ever.
The Reality of Food Waste
You may find it surprising to learn that food waste makes up an average of 30% of restaurant expenses every year. What is more, food storage conditions are responsible for 85% of restaurant food waste. When food is stored at improper temperatures, bacteria can grow rapidly. This growth makes food unsafe for consumption and leads directly to waste.
A recent study even found that food waste amounts to $2 billion in lost restaurant profits. Even though losses due to improper food safety are only one component of that total, they can be a major part of the solution. By prioritizing and investing in temperature monitoring systems, businesses can both eliminate waste and increase profits.
The Benefits of Technology Advancement
Companies in a variety of industries use the collection of real-time data in order to make fast decisions to improve operations, and the food service industry is no different. A global standard for wireless communications that transmit this real-time data, LoRaWAN, or Long Range Wide Area Network, allows devices to communicate over long distances. In addition, signals can pass through physical barriers, meaning devices can be installed in any location.
Digital food service temperature monitoring systems are among these devices. While this may sound pricey and tedious, LoRaWAN technology enables long battery life as well as products that are easy to use and inexpensive.
Temperature monitoring systems offer benefits beyond reducing bacterial risk and food waste. Owners and staff can monitor equipment and inventory from anywhere, at any time. Sensors send real-time alerts when issues occur. This allows quick responses that reduce downtime and operational costs.
Devices such as temperature sensors also reduce the possibility of human error. Though it is human nature that mistakes happen, the cost associated with these mistakes could be devastating. Business owners can secure peace of mind knowing that their investments are being monitored around the clock.
Devices and Sensors – What to Consider
When choosing devices for a comprehensive food service temperature monitoring system, temperature is critical, and humidity is as well. As mentioned earlier, bacteria thrive in specific conditions where one or both are improperly maintained. Monitoring both simultaneously has the greatest effect on minimizing food waste and cost.
For temperature monitoring and transmission, Choovio’s LTC2 FS Industrial Food Safety Temperature Transmitter is a best in class option and, like other Choovio products, is LoRaWAN compatible. It has a temperature measurement range of minus 50 to 200 degrees Celsius, making it suitable for various environments.
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Humidity is an important component of measurement, as it can affect not only food safety and quality, but equipment as well. Too much humidity can cause rot on certain equipment components, or ice to build up in refrigeration systems. That is why a sensor such as Choovio’s LHT65N LoRaWAN for Temperature & Humidity is another vital component of a temperature monitoring system.
These are just two examples of the many types of sensors and devices available. Researching and identifying which products are best suited for specific food service businesses and situations will ensure the maximum protection of product and profit.
Food Service Temperature Monitoring Systems – The Bottom Line
Despite all these benefits and reasons to implement temperature monitoring systems, less than 5% of businesses in the restaurant industry use them today. Taking advantage of the reliable, affordable, and sophisticated technology available on the market could save the other 95% of considerable profits lost due to waste and costly mistakes.
Savvy business owners all over the food service industry who wish to protect their investments will recognize these products as both practical and essential to long-term growth and success.
CHOOVIO® Provides an extremely easy-to-use wireless temperature monitoring solution for restaurants. Check this link to know more:
Restaurants Wireless Temperature Monitoring System
