Shipments to supermarket must use temperature device
temperature monitoring devices on perishable food shipments to its
distribution centers, which could force processors to invest in the
technology.
The move follows a growing trend by retailers to implement tracking procedures that comply with Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) procedures, set up to improve overall food safety. All inbound produce, fresh meat and seafood shipments will use TXi smart labels provided by PakSense. The labels record the temperature of the environment during food distribution, enabling quality assurance personnel to make better quality and safety decisions, Albertsons claims. Dave Dean, group vice president of procurement for Albertsons, said the retailer had always monitored temperatures of perishable goods during shipping. "But we found that traditional temperature monitoring devices were bulky and expensive," he said. "A quick return-on-investment analysis on the PakSense Label convinced me that making the switch would save us a substantial amount of money-and provide better quality assurance for our customers." The adhesive labels, which are flat and measure 2 x 2 inches, can be sealed in food-grade packaging, placed on pallets, or attached to the walls. "With PakSense Labels, we can sample temperatures throughout a trailer - not just on the top," Dean said. Labels are activated when the corner is broken, which starts recording the time and temperature . When shipments arrive, the labels are inspected and a light display shows whether or not temperature breaches have occurred. PakSense also manufactures a sensor, which attaches to the label and downloads the time and temperature information. The data collected by the sensor can then be downloaded and analyzed to determine, when and for how long, the goods were exposed to temperature breaches. Any pc using Windows can be used to display the raw data or graphical representations of temperature readings taken at five minute intervals. Labels are disposable and therefore designed for use with a single shipment. Albertsons has stores in Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Louisiana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, Wyoming, and Utah. The company has warehouses handling fresh product in Denver, Colorado, Fort Worth, Texas, Phoenix, Arizona and Plant City, Florida. PakSense, based in Idaho, develops and manufactures intelligent sensing products specifically designed for perishable goods.
