US-based public health and safety company NSF International has granted Refrigeration Solutions' Thermo-Cube certification to NSF Protocol P235: Temperature Mimicking Sensors, a certification that verifies to regulators that food temperatures are being monitored effectively, accurately and consistently. This is the first product to receive this commendation.
NSF claims that this certification system is the first comprehensive protocol for temperature mimicking sensors (TMS) or separate, non-invasive devices consisting of a food simulant material and a temperature-measuring device. This protocol has the potential to play an important role in maintaining safe temperature levels in food, which can prevent foodborne illnesses.
"We are pleased with the opportunity to sponsor the development of Protocol 235," said John D. Lollar, president of Refrigeration Solutions. "P235 was developed to aid both health departments and retail operations in monitoring product temperatures as updated in FDA 2001 Code 4-204.112. The NSF Mark on our product, the Thermo-Cube, will give us credibility in our desire to become the leader in equipment designed to track product temperatures."
Protocol P235 covers sanitation and performance requirements for the materials, design and construction of these devices, which are intended for use in processing plants, refrigerated trucks, storage refrigerators, display refrigerators and residential refrigerators. TMSs constantly monitor product temperature and provide advance warning when the temperature is about to exceed safe temperatures.
"Refrigeration Solutions is helping to establish higher standards to ensure that food remain at proper temperatures," said NSF vice president of research Gordon Bellen. "The NSF Mark on temperature mimicking devices will verify to regulatory officials that food temperatures are being monitored accurately."
The protocol was developed by a panel of experts including representatives from the Food & Drug Administration (FDA), Food Research Institute, University of Wisconsin, Ohio Department of Health and the Massachusetts Health Department. Refrigeration Solutions, Inc also helped in the development of the protocol.
NSF International, a not for profit, nongovernmental organisation, is a leading global provider of public health and safety risk management solutions in the areas of food, water, indoor air, and the environment. NSF provides product certification and safety audits for the food and water industries.
Other services include management systems registrations delivered through NSF International Strategic Registrations and education through the NSF Center for Public Health Education. Founded in 1944, NSF carries out work in over 80 countries.