Packaging with built in temperature sensors that "blab" to the consumer when the chill chain is broken can be found on the market. This works as a flexible indicator of shelf life. For example the indicator might change from green to yellow if the food product is exposed to higher temperatures than it has been produced and packed to accept. The actual distribution temperature decides the shelf life of the product. The shelf life is currently decided by simulating distribution temperature. If the food product is stored at a temperature far higher than that recommended by the producer and the authorities, the product may in the worst case become both spoiled and actually hazardous to health before the "use by" date. This could give producer and consumer a false sense of safety.
