Digital Retort Thermometers - Overview

In March 14, 2011, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released final amendments to its regulations for thermally processed low-acid foods packaged in hermetically sealed containers. This amendment will allow the use of “Alternative” temperature-indicating devices to either replace or work in addition to Mercury-In-Glass (MIG) thermometers on retorts during processing. This move by FDA finally allows processors to replace the MIG thermometers on their retorts with more advanced and updated technology, such as temperature indicting devices with RTD sensors and Digital Displays. The proposed rule specifically states that “FDA supports elimination of mercury from the processing environment and encourages industry to take necessary and appropriate steps to transition from mercury-in-glass thermometers to alternative temperature-indicating devices”.

Contact TechniCAL ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ) for more information on replacing your MIG thermometers with updated Digital Thermometers.