Do you have all the tools you need for safe food production?

Most people have had to suffer through food poisoning at one point in their life, but the origin of the foodborne illness isn't isolated to how the chicken and broccoli was cooked that night.

The way the food is shipped, packaged and then transported into and out of facilities plays a large role in keeping it free of harmful bacteria. Unfortunately, recalls due to contamination over the past three years have sat above the 10-year average in Australia and New Zealand, according to Food Standards.

Getting these figures down to below average is the ultimate goal, but food safety professionals need the tools to do so. Here are a few that should instantly upgrade the effectiveness of your operation:

Quickly record temperatures

Simple yet efficient. That's the hallmark of a great tool, and the testo 830 T1 infrared thermometer fits the bill. It provides better accuracy than traditional thermometers by reading the temperature of food from the surface and utilising a high-speed processor to pinpoint the condition to 0.1°Celsius. Other features include:

• Digital display that reads 10:1 optics for foods in places that are difficult to reach.
• Configurable alarm for alerting about unsafe temperature levels.
• Ergonomic design allows for one-handed use.
• Easily adjust emissivity levels for different foods.

Never out of touch

One overnight system failure can cost a company hundreds of thousands of dollars in wasted goods, and the testo Saveris 2 WiFi data logger aims to solve that issue. Facility managers can place the device in the warehouse to monitor fluctuations in temperature and have alerts sent to their email or phone.

The Saveris 2 is a cloud-based apparatus that logs data which can be accessed and saved by any device connected to the internet. This becomes incredibly valuable in the case of a warehouse spot check, or if the need to know the exact temperature on a certain date arises. It can also be leveraged to retrieve valuable metrics that help to refine climate control and save a business money in the long run.

Nothing left unchecked

A facility manager needs to be able to tackle any issue with his or her tools, and the testo 206 pH1 offers that much-needed flexibility. The 206 pH1 is a reliable and efficient liquid meter that combines a pH balance tester with a thermometer for a fast and accurate check of any fluid. Also offered with the instrument:

• Waterproof and maintenance-free casing.
• Dual display of temperature and pH balance.
• Storage cap full of gel electrolyte included for safe storage.
• Optional wall or belt storage available.

Safety on the go

Truck breakdowns are commonplace, but it doesn't mean that the safety of the food being transported should be compromised. The testo 108-2 probe thermometer makes it easy to record temperatures on the go with a simple and quick spot check. Its usefulness goes far beyond transit though, as its a reliable option for employees of a restaurant or industrial kitchen as well.

The testo 108-2 comes with its own case for safe storage and offers a large display that provides accurate readings. It's a simple enough tool that anyone can use, making it a valuable addition to any workplace in the food sector.

All of the aforementioned Testo tools are certified for the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) food safety management system. This removes the need for facility managers to buy multiple tools to get the job done. Testo provides certified food safety instruments that you and your staff can trust.

Interested in learning more about what your food safety strategy is missing? Contact a Testo representative today.