How MultiTech and LoRaWAN Are Transforming Food Safety in Restaurants, Grocery, and Hospitality
Smarter Food Safety: How IoT and LoRaWAN Protect Restaurants, Grocery, and Hospitality
Food safety is non-negotiable in restaurants, grocery, and hospitality. Yet operators face constant challenges: aging equipment, labor shortages, rising compliance demands, and the ever-present risk of costly spoilage. According to the USDA, foodborne illness costs the U.S. economy over $15.6 billion annually, while the average restaurant loses $10,000–$20,000 per year to refrigeration and equipment failures.
IoT (Internet of Things) and LoRaWAN® wireless networks are emerging as critical tools for addressing these issues. With real-time monitoring and predictive insights, operators can ensure compliance, protect inventory, and cut costs — all without adding to staff workloads. At the heart of this transformation is the MultiTech CT300, a wireless, non-invasive clamp-on current transformer that delivers actionable visibility into critical equipment.
The Role of LoRaWAN and MultiTech in Food Safety
Traditional food safety compliance relies heavily on manual temperature checks, staff logs, and reactive maintenance. These processes are not only time-consuming but also prone to human error. IoT changes the game by providing:
- Continuous monitoring of refrigeration, HVAC, ovens, and freezers
- Wireless data transmission using LoRaWAN, a long-range, low-power standard ideal for large kitchens, hotels, or grocery stores
- Automated alerts when anomalies occur, allowing staff to act before problems escalate
- Auditable compliance records for health inspections, FDA guidelines, and HACCP reporting
Introducing the MultiTech CT300 Clamp
The CT300 is a compact, wireless, clamp-on device designed to monitor energy usage and equipment health in real time. Unlike traditional wired solutions, it installs in seconds — no rewiring, no downtime, and no electrician required.
Key features include:
- Non-invasive installation: Clamp onto existing electrical lines in minutes
- LoRaWAN connectivity: Reliable wireless coverage across kitchens, retail floors, or back-of-house facilities
- Continuous monitoring: Tracks current draw to detect abnormal equipment behavior
- Predictive insights: Identifies failing compressors, motors, or fans before they break
- Data integration: Works with IoT dashboards for compliance reporting and operational optimization.
3 Ways the CT300 Enhances Food Safety
Prevent Spoilage with Early Fault Detection
A single freezer failure can wipe out thousands in inventory. By monitoring electrical load patterns, the CT300 detects failing compressors or doors left ajar. Operators receive alerts instantly, giving them time to fix issues before food is compromised.
Example: A grocery chain deployed CT300 sensors across their refrigeration units. Within the first 60 days, they identified three failing motors that, if left unchecked, could have spoiled over $25,000 in perishable goods.
Automate Compliance and Save Labor Hours
Example: A quick-service restaurant reduced manual logging tasks by 10 staff hours per week using CT300-powered monitoring, freeing employees to focus on guest service while ensuring compliance.
Extend Equipment Life and Reduce Energy Costs
Example: A hotel group using the CT300 cut kitchen energy consumption by 12% annually while extending the life of refrigeration assets by an average of 18 months.
Building Trust Through Transparency
Today’s consumers demand not only safe food but also transparency into how brands ensure quality. By adopting IoT solutions like the CT300 Current Transformer, operators can demonstrate their commitment to safety, sustainability, and efficiency. This builds trust, strengthens brand reputation, and even attracts eco-conscious guests.
The bottom line
From restaurants and grocery stores to hotels and resorts, IoT and LoRaWAN are reshaping food safety management. The MultiTech CT300 clamp provides a simple, scalable way to monitor equipment, prevent spoilage, automate compliance, and reduce costs — all without disrupting operations.
Ready to Transform Your Food Safety Strategy?
Contact MultiTech today to learn how the CT300 can help you safeguard inventory, ensure compliance, and deliver a safer, smarter guest experience.