news > FDA allows the use of Other Devices to Replace Mercury-in-Glass Thermometers in the Retort Room
FDA allows the use of Other Devices to Replace Mercury-in-Glass Thermometers in the Retort Room
March 3, 2011
- The Food and Drug administration (FDA) is amending its regulations for thermally processed low-acid foods packaged in hermetically sealed containers to allow for use of other temperature-indicating devices, in
- addition to mercury-in-glass thermometers, during processing. This final rule also establishes record-keeping requirements relating to temperature indicating
- devices and reference devices maintained by the processor and allows for the use of advanced technology for measuring and recording temperatures during processing.
Last Updated 1 Year(s) ago
Washington, DC —
The requirement for exclusive use of mercury-in-glass thermometers reflects the absence of alternatives on the market at the time current regulations became effective in 1973. Because of technological advances in thermometry since that time, alternatives to mercury-in-glass thermometers may now be available for the low-acid canned food industry.
This final rule will allow low-acid canned food processors to transition from mercury-in-glassthermometers to alternative temperature-indicating devices. Use of temperature-indicating devices that do not contain mercury will eliminate concerns about potential contamination of the food or the processing environment from broken mercury-in-glass thermometers.
Keywords MIG RTD canned foods mercury-in-glass