The label that makes freshness visible

OnVu™ is a novel time-temperature indictor (TTI) that has been developed by Ciba Specialty Chemicals and FreshPoint. Either as a label or printed directly on the packaging, this user-friendly indicator allows producers, retailers and con-sumers to check at a glance whether consumable goods have been stored properly.

Chilled food and beverages are most commonly spoiled due to changeable temperature conditions during storage and transit. OnVu™ uses a color-coded system to indicate whether the product has been stored under the proper refrigerated conditions. A date printed on a package does not reflect tem-perature infringements during transit and is therefore not as accurate a safety measure as OnVu.

As there is an immediate need for reliable time-temperature monitoring in the meat, poultry and fish packaging industry, one of the initial OnVu™ indicators has been formulated for such use. Future OnVu™ indicators will be formulated for dairy products, fresh salads, chilled prepared dishes, juices and fur-ther, to serve the medical industry, for blood, vaccines and medication.