Commercialization of time-temperature integrators for foods

Abstract: Temperature is the main post-processing parameter that determines food quality of perishable food products. Monitoring temperature is essential for effective shelf-life management. A cost-efficient way to monitor and continuously communicate the temperature conditions of individual food products throughout distribution are time-temperature integrators (TTIs). TTIs are inexpensive, active ‘smart labels’ that can show easily measurable, time- and temperature-dependent changes that reflect the time-temperature history of the food products. Implementing a TTI-based system could lead to realistic control of the chill chain, optimization of stock rotation and reduction of waste, and efficient shelf-life management. Current TTI technology, attitudes of consumers and food industry and commercial applications of TTIs are discussed.

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