What device can be used to monitor time and temperature abuse of food?

A time-temperature indicator is specifically designed to monitor both the time and temperature of food to identify potential abuse that could lead to foodborne illness. These devices often change color or display a signal when certain temperature thresholds are reached over a specified time period, allowing food safety managers to assess whether food has been held at unsafe temperatures. This monitoring is critical for ensuring that food remains safe to consume, particularly during holding, transportation, or storage.

While a temperature logger can also be used to track temperature over time, it does not typically provide real-time, immediate feedback on temperature thresholds or time limits like a time-temperature indicator does. A food thermometer is excellent for checking the internal temperature of food at a specific point in time but does not monitor ongoing time and temperature abuse. A barcode scanner is unrelated to temperature monitoring; it is used for inventory management and tracking products rather than assessing food safety conditions.