What is a Temperature-Time Indicator (TTI) and what does it verify?

• A. A label or device that changes color when the required time–temperature exposure is achieved, verifying adequate pasteurization
• B. A label that indicates packaging integrity
• C. A device that records the ambient air temperature
• D. A label that measures fat content of the milk

Answer: (A)

A Temperature-Time Indicator is a label or device that changes color when the required time–temperature exposure is achieved, providing a visual verification that the milk has received the necessary heat treatment for pasteurization. It tracks the thermal history of the product and often changes irreversibly, so it confirms that the pasteurization target was met and the process should have achieved the intended lethality against pathogens. It does not measure packaging integrity, it does not monitor ambient air temperature alone, and it does not assess fat content.