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Frequently Asked Questions about OnVu™

What is OnVu™?

OnVu™ is the brand name of our time-temperature indicator (TTI) products. OnVu™ increases consumer food safety by reflecting the integrity of the chill chain.

What is a TTI?

A TTI is a simple device that displays a visual summary of the elapsed time-temperature history of the product to which it is attached. A TTI can be used on any product that is sensitive to temperature.

Are OnVu™ TTIs applied to packaging or straight on the product?

The OnVu™ TTI can either be printed directly on the package of the consumable product or added to the packaging as a label.

How does OnVu™ work?

OnVu™ is a simple and instant visual indication of the product’s freshness. The technology relies on the properties of organic pigments that change color over time, depending on temperature fluctuation. The TTI contains a color-coded display. This becomes dark when activated and then progressively lighter over time and as the temperature fluctuates. When the lightened color matches a printed reference, the product is no longer safe to consume. Exposure to irregular variations in temperature accelerates the lightening process of the color.
Ciba Logo Freshpoint Logo

How and when is OnVu™ activated?

An OnVu™ TTI is activated by a standard, commercially available UV light source (preferably light-emitting diodes known as LEDs) just before application to the package. A filter is then added over the TTI to protect it from deliberate recharging. How fast does the color react to temperature changes? The TTI is calibrated to the shelf life and optimal storage conditions of every consumable product that it is designed to monitor.

Why are TTIs needed?

Temperature abuse is known to be the major cause of food spoilage and illness associated with it. TTIs show the consumer at a glance whether the goods have been correctly supplied and stored. OnVu™ responds to an immediate consumer concern: reliable quality assurance when purchasing and storing perishable goods.

What is the benefit of a TTI versus a “sell-by date” label?

The “sell-by date” label does not report the conditions in which the chilled product has been stored. The absence of time-temperature history must therefore be taken into consideration when choosing a sell-by date. In order to have a safety margin, the suppliers are obliged to reduce the shelf-life of perishable goods in order to compensate for any accidental or deliberate temperature abuse. This ‘rule of thumb’ method is neither accurate nor scientifically based. OnVu™ records the temperature history over time. This accurate record shows whether the product is still suitable for consumption or not.

What ensures the consistency and quality of an OnVu™ TTI?

In order for OnVu™ to be released on the market, it first had to pass a series of rigorous tests. The approval process for the active pigment is controlled by local authorities. Registration is only granted once the technology is considered to be scientifically sound and of benefit to the consumer.

Which OnVu™ products have been developed so far?

Responding to an immediate need for effective, low-cost time-temperature monitoring, the first OnVu™ TTI is targeted at the meat and dairy industries. Further OnVu™ TTIs are being developed for the medical industry: for blood products, vaccines and medication.

When is OnVu™ being launched?

The official launch of the first commercial OnVu™ product is 4 April 2006 at the Anuga FoodTec in Cologne, Germany.

Does the OnVu™ label require low-temperature storage?

No, the OnVu™ label or ink can be stored at room temperature and activated when required.

How much does the OnVu™ TTI cost?

It is the most effective technology available on the market and will not add significant cost to the package.