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Compliant Fridge
Temperature Monitoring
A Complete Overview
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What is fridge temperature monitoring?
Putting it simply, fridge temperature monitoring means regularly checking and recording what’s happening in your fridges or chillers. By their very nature, products stored in fridges and chillers are temperature-sensitive, so it’s important that the fridge is not too hot or too cold, and remains at a temperature of between 0 and 5°C. Whether it’s every minute or just twice a day, regularly checking is crucial to ensuring temperature-sensitive products are preserved – both in terms of food safety (to limit bacteria growth) and food quality (to maintain the taste, texture or appearance).
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Why is fridge temperature monitoring important?
Given that the majority of fridges and chillers have a temperature display, it’s fair to question why a secondary independent temperature check is necessary. The answer is simply that temperature displays show the temperature a fridge is set to, rather than the temperature it is actually reading. As any refrigeration or cooling unit is at risk of malfunction or breakdown, it’s important that an independent temperature check is carried out regularly to ensure the fridge temperature is safe, especially if the products are high-risk and/or perishable.
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This is supported by the Food Standards Agency’s advice on chilling, which states,
‘You need to check that your fridge is cold enough using a fridge thermometer. This is because the dials on fridges don't always show you the right temperature. Your fridge should be 5°C or below.’
BRCGS Clause 4.15.3, relating to the storage of raw materials, in-process products or finished products is also relevant. It states,
‘Temperature recording equipment with suitable temperature alarms shall be fitted to all storage facilities or there shall be a system of recorded manual temperature checks, typically on at least a 4-hourly basis or at a frequency which allows for intervention before product temperatures exceed defined limits for the safety, legality or quality of products.’ (BRCGS Global Food Safety Standard V8 , Clause 4.15.3)
In addition to food safety and quality, fridge monitoring
systems with alarms offer excellent cost-saving and risk-management, as
instances of non-compliance that would result in stock loss or wastage can be
identified in good time, before stock must be discarded. Particularly with large chillers, which may
contain hundreds or thousands of pounds’ worth in storage, fridge monitoring
systems with audible, visual or SMS alerts have been known to avert serious
loss and even reduce insurance premiums.
How often should I check the temperature of my fridges and chillers?
There is no hard and fast rule on how often the checks should take place; ultimately it depends on your documented site processes. As noted above, the FSA’s guidance does not specify regularity, however the inference would be once per day. Some local government authorities are more specific on their recommendations, such as Falkirk Council in their Food Safety Guidance, who specify that fridges should be checked at least twice per day. BRCGS recommend checks are conducted at least 4-hourly but leave this open to the site’s discretion, based on the time it would take for product temperatures to exceed defined limits for product safety, legality or quality.
For particularly temperature-sensitive or high-risk products in small pack quantities, especially fresh meat and dairy products, it’s wise to take a worst-case scenario approach. If the fridge was to break down or have the door left open immediately after your temperature check and on a warm day, how soon would the stock become unsafe?
Should I record or log the fridge temperatures?
Again, this is somewhat dependent on the procedures decided at site level, however typically temperature checks must be recorded. This means that in the event of non-compliance or complaints being received, the records are available to prove the storage conditions at the time. For non-logging fridge thermometers, this must be recorded manually. By contrast, logging thermometers such as the LEBI range, Verigo and SenseAnywhere automatically log temperatures at set intervals (as often as every minute), and the data can simply be downloaded on a regular basis, which removes the time, hassle and margin for error from the manual method.
What are my options for fridge or chiller logging?
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Digital fridge max/min thermometer (non-logging)
Fridge thermometers such as Klipspringer’s Fridge Alarm Thermometer are a great budget-friendly option for small canteen or domestic fridges. With a magnet on the back, the display can simply be mounted to the edge of the fridge, with the probe end in the fridge. This gives a temperature reading without opening the fridge door, along with max and min temperatures and an audible alarm if temperatures cross the limits set. This thermometer does not log temperatures, so these will need to be noted down manually. -
Temperature Loggers with PC interface
A long-time favourite logger for use throughout the food industry, IP67 waterproof-rated loggers such as the LEBI-20T are a compact option packed full of great features. As well as being completely condensation-resistant (great for fridges and chillers), they log the data at customisable logging intervals, which can then be downloaded via the PC interface and software kit. -
Multi-Use USB Loggers
Similar to the LEBI-20 range, USB loggers such as the LEBI-300 range have a clear visual display with adjustable alarm points. The key difference to the LEBI-20T is that the data can be accessed simply by plugging the logger into a PC’s USB port, with no analytics software or interface required. Logging intervals can be programmed as required. -
Bluetooth Loggers
If going app-based and wireless sounds like a good plan, Bluetooth loggers are a popular option. With multiple types of logger available, Klipspringer’s Verigo datalogger range continuously log temperatures using internal or external sensors. To access the data, you can simply download the free Verigo app onto your smartphone, and go within range of Bluetooth connection to the logger. -
Cloud-based real-time monitoring (SenseAnywhere)
For teams looking to cut out hassle entirely (and achieve complete peace of mind), real-time systems such as SenseAnywhere combine constant monitoring with online data access and automated alarms via text and email. Sensors can simply be placed inside a chiller and then communicate wirelessly with an access point nearby. To retrieve the data, users simply log into the web portal or scan the QR code on the logger to view the current logger readings in real-time. This is the go-to solution if your team can't regularly walk around the building and conduct temperature checks, or if your fridges contain particularly high-risk or high-value perishable products, and removes the risk of stock loss.
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Contact us
Head Office
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01473 461800
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sales@klipspringer.com
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Klipspringer Ltd, Rynor House, Farthing Road, Ipswich, IP1 5AP
Northern Ireland Office
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0289 4080 222
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Unit D9, Knockmore Hill Business Park, 9 Ferguson Drive, Lisburn, BT28 2EX
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