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CFR Part 113 for low-acid canned foods.

Government regulations surrounding temperature monitoring and testing in food and beverage processing are primarily governed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), specifically 21 CFR Part 113 for low-acid canned foods. These measures ensure food safety by confirming that proper thermal processing conditions are consistently met, minimizing the risk of contamination and spoilage.

Key points include:

• Accuracy Requirements: Temperature-indicating devices (such as thermometers) must be tested for accuracy against a certified reference device traceable to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) upon installation and at least annually.
• Device Design: Instruments must resist environmental interference and be installed for easy, accurate readings. Sensors should be placed in positions that represent true processing conditions.
• Documentation: Records of accuracy checks, and calibration must be maintained. Faulty or inaccurate devices must be repaired or replaced.
• Redundancy & Verification: Both a temperature-indicating device and a temperature-recording device (e.g., a chart recorder or data logger) are required, with regular cross-verification to ensure reliability.
• Recording Requirements: Devices must record temperatures at intervals sufficient to confirm compliance with process time and temperature parameters. Digital or analog recordings are acceptable.