Full history time-temperature indicator system

Abstract

A full-history time-temperature indicator system which is capable of exhibiting a time-temperature dependent and visually detectable chemical reaction, useful for monitoring the time and temperature exposure of food products. The system comprises an immobilised reactant, such as Fe<3+>, and a mobile reactant, such as Fe(CN)6<4->, initially contained in separate compartments, and separated by a sealing. The system is activated by removing a sealing between the compartments whereby the mobile reactant in a time-temperature dependent manner is brought into contact with the immobilised reactant resulting in a visually detectable reaction signal.

Description

technical field

[0001] The present invention provides a time-temperature indicator system for monitoring environmental exposure of various products that undergo progressive quality changes during exposure. In particular, a full time-temperature indicator system is provided for the cumulative monitoring of time and temperature exposure of particularly perishable products. Background technique

[0002] The quality of food and other perishable products is highly dependent on storage conditions such as temperature and storage time during the period from production or packaging until it finally reaches the final consumer. As the temperature increases, the deterioration process is accelerated due to the increased rate of biochemical reactions, so the quality of perishable goods deteriorates faster at high temperatures than at low temperatures.

[0003] Examples of perishable products that require storage without exceeding certain temperature limits, or at least for a predetermine...