When dining at their favorite restaurant, food safety is not something that is necessarily top of mind for the everyday patron. It is an expectation that the establishment is serving food that is of the highest quality and free of risk from illnesses such as food poisoning. But behind the doors of the kitchen, and in the food service industry as a whole, food safety is the single most important aspect of the business.
As of 2020, the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) estimated that 48 million people become sick from foodborne illnesses each year. It remains critical that businesses maintain the highest standards of food quality control within their establishments, or the consequences could be dire by way of lawsuits, fines and penalties for violations, or even business closure.
While this all may seem a bit frightening, the advancement of technology within the food service industry, such as food service temperature monitoring systems, has never been more sophisticated nor easier to implement.
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’s more, food storage conditions are responsible for 85% of restaurant food waste. If kept at an improper temperature, the bacteria that sensitive foods are susceptible to can grow rapidly, causing them to be unsafe for consumption and, therefore, victims of waste.
A recent study even found that food waste amounts to $2 billion in lost restaurant profits. While 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 all of this may sound pricey and tedious, the LoRaWAN technology enables both long battery life as well as products that are easy to use as well as inexpensive.
Through the implementation of these temperature monitoring systems, benefits even outside of bacterial risk and food waste are realized. Food service business owners and employees alike can monitor the state of their equipment and products from anywhere, anytime they would like. Temperature sensors can send real-time alerts when something is amiss, allowing for quick reaction and remediation to reduce both downtime and cost.
Devices such as temperature sensors also reduce the possibility of human error. While 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 considering which devices to purchase and utilize for a comprehensive food service temperature monitoring system, not only is the temperature a critical measurement but humidity as well. As mentioned earlier, bacteria thrive in specific conditions where one or both are improperly maintained. Monitoring both simultaneously will have the greatest effect on minimizing food waste and cost.
In terms of temperature monitoring and transmitting, Choovio’s LTC2-FS Industrial Food Safety Temperature Transmitter is a best-in-class option and consistent with all other Choovio products in that it is LoRaWAN-compatible. It has a temperature measurement range of -50-200° Celsius, making it suitable for various environments.
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
