Foodservice Temperature Monitoring Systems: A Quick Reference Guide

The Internet of Things (IoT) is now pervasive. There appears to be a new IoT device produced every day, from phones to watches to cars. Most people who are not tech-savvy may wonder what the Internet of Things is or whether it is simply another buzzword.

The truth is that IoT is not just a new trend. It is here to stay, and it is not as outlandish as it first appears. IoT offers practical applications that make everyday tasks easier, faster, and more efficient. In the kitchen, it can help save money and safeguard inventory. See how IoT may benefit you in the sections below.

What is the Internet of Things (IoT)?

The Internet of Things is known as IoT. It’s important to focus on the final letter of IoT, which stands for things, in order to better grasp it. Thing is a figurative term for the implements we employ to accomplish our tasks. Consider the implications of these ideas in the context of the foodservice industry. Ventilation systems, stoves, and water heaters are all possibilities.

Imagine linking these things so they can exchange data with each other and with you automatically. That is the core idea of IoT, and it already exists. In IoT, objects and equipment are connected in a structured way. Automated functions, such as measurements and data logging, ensure you have accurate information at your fingertips. These systems can also help you analyze that data to boost efficiency, save money, and prevent hazardous events.

How is IoT monitoring implemented?

To understand IoT, it helps to know how devices communicate with the internet. IoT devices contain semiconductors and other microchips that let them operate independently and connect to the internet. When a task is performed, these devices automatically send data to the cloud.

The cloud refers to storing data on the internet rather than on a local hard drive. As computing and networking advanced, users found that keeping data in the cloud made it more accessible and safer across devices and operating systems. You can still access your files and applications even if your computer fails.

Cloud computing also lets developers continuously improve and update software, which enhances performance and usability for end users. It was only a matter of time before this capability appeared in everyday products.

Internet of Things (IoT) versus smart technologies

You have probably seen the growth of smart appliances such as refrigerators, thermostats, and garage door openers. Smart and IoT are closely related concepts. For most tasks, there is likely an IoT-integrated device that can help.

In what ways might foodservice temperature monitoring systems be used?

Foodservice is an area where IoT devices can have a significant impact. While IoT cannot prep food, it can monitor and control factors that make operations easier.

Cold storage is a prime example. Foodservice establishments keep perishable goods in refrigerators and freezers. Refrigeration systems run nearly constantly, so components experience fatigue, which can cause temperature excursions or even malfunctions. A full failure often leads to the loss of valuable inventory.

Time and temperature are responsible for about 85 percent of inventory loss in foodservice. Perishables held above 40 degrees Fahrenheit for more than two hours enter the food safety danger zone and must be discarded.

A large portion of restaurants’ operating costs is wasted food. There is an average of 28-35 percent waste in the foodservice industry. Reducing food waste can thus have a big influence on your financial situation.

Choovio provides LoRaWAN IoT temperature and humidity monitoring devices for restaurants. As frequently as every ten minutes, Choovio records wireless remote temperature readings so your perishable inventory stays at or below set limits. When temperatures rise to unsafe levels, Choovio alerts you by SMS or email so you can act quickly to protect inventory and your bottom line.

Which foods must be kept at a specific temperature and for a specific period of time in order to be safe?

Check out these tips if you want to reduce food waste and boost your bottom line. If you’re concerned about the safety of your food, check out this article.

Your ingredients are the heart of your business, regardless of the type of foodservice facility you run. Ground beef, for example, is a common ingredient in hamburgers served at fast-food restaurants. To create charcuterie boards in high-end restaurants, premium cheeses may be the primary ingredient. Produce for salad bars is needed by corporate catering providers. They all have one thing in common: they are all fresh and need to be stored in the refrigerator.

On average, 30 to 33 percent of a restaurant’s spending goes to ingredients, and 28 to 35 percent of revenue is lost to food waste. Despite the costs, monitoring and preventing waste can be difficult.

About 85 percent of food waste is tied to lapses in temperature control. Items kept above 40 degrees Fahrenheit for more than two hours are in the danger zone. Temperature excursions are inevitable at times, even with manual monitoring. To get the most from your inventory, know the general time and temperature rules and how they apply to specific items.

Meat

Meat products are highly perishable because animals naturally have higher microbial loads. Raw meat can deteriorate in less than a week, and ground beef or chicken may spoil within a few days even under good storage conditions. Eating spoiled meat greatly increases the risk of foodborne illness such as salmonella.

Dairy

Dairy products such as cheese, milk, and yogurt also come from living organisms and are rich environments for microorganisms. Even pasteurized dairy stored correctly can spoil in four to five days.

Vegetables

Many vegetables, especially leafy greens, require careful temperature control. Although vegetables are not animal products, they can still be contaminated by microbes. Leafy greens are a common cause of foodborne illness in the United States. Under ideal storage conditions, leafy greens last about seven to ten days, while hard squashes can last much longer.

Fruits

Fruits present unique challenges because of their high sugar content. If not kept at the right conditions, oxidation can lead to browning and loss of texture. Depending on the type, many fruits can be stored for up to seven days under proper conditions.

Ensuring the safety of foods that must be kept at specific temperatures and times

Choovio foodservice temperature monitoring systems help reduce food loss caused by poor temperature control.

Choovio’s sensors monitor storage temperatures and alert users when a change occurs. If high temperatures are detected, Choovio notifies you by SMS, email, or phone call so you can move product, adjust equipment, or contact service technicians before inventory is lost.

Temperature swings can happen, but with Choovio they do not have to be disastrous.

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