Welcome to The Smarter Audit—We’re exploring how food businesses across the UK and Ireland are embracing digital innovation to simplify compliance, enhance governance, and improve environmental performance.
This episode dives into the challenges of modern auditing and how Kelsius’ AuditCheck‑ed is helping managers and business owners take control with real-time data, paperless systems, and transparent reporting.
Whether you run a café, restaurant, hotel, or multi-site operation, discover how digital audits can protect your brand, boost customer satisfaction, and support your environmental, social and governance (ESG) goals.
The Nisa Local store in St Stephen, Cornwall, is a large and busy convenience retailer offering a wide range of food essentials, with chilled and frozen food storage as well as a busy hot food department.
In the past the store relied on a basic thermometer and probe system for food temperature checks. This paper-based process was time-consuming and dependent on staff remembering to complete checks, resulting in extra workload and potential gaps in compliance and traceability.
The store needed a system that would address the gaps that the manual, paper-based system presented.
FoodCheck2.0 transforms food safety for Nisa Local St Stephen
Nisa Local St Stephen implemented the Kelsius FoodCheck2.0 digital HACCP and automated temperature monitoring system. It provides the store team with prompts for required tasks, ensuring temperature checks are never missed. Real-time alerts notify staff of equipment issues instantly, allowing for swift action. Installation was straightforward, and staff quickly adapted to the app-based system.
Immediate benefits delivered for HACCP and food safety
Installing FoodCheck2.0 from Kelsius delivered immediate results for the team at Nisa Local St Stephen:
30–60 minutes saved per day by removing manual data logging.
Hundreds of pounds worth of food products saved and food waste reduced thanks to equipment failure alerts.
Streamlined audits with all records instantly available for inspectors.
A paperless operation with no printer or ink costs.
Reliability and efficiency bring confidence across the store
The Kelsius FoodCheck 2.0 system has been adopted in the Nisa Local store in St Stephen across management and staff.
Staff are confident that they will never miss any issues with fridge, freezer or power failures thanks to the real-time alerts should problems arise. The Kelsius system has saved the store hundreds of pounds in potential food loss and they have reduced waste in terms of food, paper and energy.
Nicola Anstey, Branch Manager, Nisa Local St Stephen, Cornwall
“We absolutely love the system — it’s easy, straightforward, and the prompts are brilliant. We’ve already avoided losing hundreds of pounds worth of stock thanks to instant alerts. Our auditors have been really impressed with the system.”
Cold Chain Under Control: Smarter Monitoring with CoolCheck
In this episode, we take a deep dive into CoolCheck – the wireless temperature monitoring system built for food manufacturers and wholesalers.
From cold chain traceability and automated alerts to audit-ready reporting, CoolCheck helps ensure food quality, reduce waste, and simplify compliance.
We explore how CoolCheck:
Closes gaps in cold chain monitoring
Automates tamperproof temperature logs
Sends 24/7 alerts via push, email, or voice
Supports ISO, FDA, and paperless reporting standards
Reduces operational costs and improves sustainability
In this episode, we explore how food retailers across the UK and Ireland are replacing paper-based processes with smart, digital solutions. Discover how Kelsius’ FoodCheck 2.0 system supports compliance, prevents food waste, and simplifies HACCP in fast-paced retail environments.
Learn how wireless temperature monitoring, automated alerts, and powerful reporting tools are helping supermarkets and convenience stores:
Eliminate paper logs
Improve operational efficiency
Respond faster to issues
Prepare seamlessly for audits
We also cover traceability features, staff task prompts, and how real-time data transforms decision-making at every level of retail operations.
In the latest episode of our podcast Monitoring Matters, we delve into how butchers can revolutionize their food safety protocols by transitioning from traditional paper-based systems to digital solutions.The focus is on Kelsius’ FoodCheck 2.0, a system designed to streamline operations, ensure compliance, and safeguard products.
The Shift from Paper to Digital
Traditional HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) systems often rely on manual record-keeping, which can be time-consuming and prone to errors.FoodCheck 2.0 offers a digital alternative, providing butchers with a user-friendly platform to monitor and record critical food safety data in real-time.
Key Benefits of FoodCheck 2.0 for Butchers
Wireless Temperature Monitoring: Ensure that all storage units maintain optimal temperatures, reducing the risk of spoilage.
Automated Alerts: Receive instant notifications if temperatures deviate from set parameters, allowing for swift corrective actions.
Enhanced Traceability: Track products by batch code, supplier invoice, or specific tasks, facilitating efficient recalls and audits.
Time and Cost Savings: Automating routine checks frees up staff time, allowing them to focus on core tasks, and reduces the costs associated with manual record-keeping.
Real-World Impact
Implementing FoodCheck 2.0 has led to significant improvements for many butcher shops:
Reduced Stock Loss: Automated alerts help prevent losses due to equipment failures.
Improved Compliance: Digital records simplify the auditing process and ensure adherence to food safety regulations.
Operational Efficiency: Streamlined processes lead to better resource allocation and improved customer satisfaction.
Rio Steakhouse is a premium steakhouse group with eight locations across the UK, offering an authentic Brazilian dining experience. Guests enjoy a unique rodizio-style service, with premium meats served by expert chefs. Across its venues, Rio delivers an immersive culinary journey, blending exceptional hospitality with the rich flavours of Brazil.
The Challenge
Rio faced challenges in managing food safety and HACCP records across its eight locations. Ensuring compliance and maintaining up-to-date records was a complex task for head chefs, particularly ahead of EHO inspections.
Additionally, as the business expanded, rising costs highlighted the need to reduce food waste and improve control over kitchen operations.
Introducing FoodCheck2.0 from Kelsius
Recognising these challenges, the new Operations Director Rodrigo saw an opportunity to introduce the Kelsius digital HACCP system across the Rio estate. The benefits were significant:
2 hours saved per day per property, on average saved by all food staff.
£1,000 per year per property estimated saved on wasted food.
4 hours per week saved by management using automated reports.
Paper, ink and folders usage reduced to zero.
Food safety training time reduced by half.
90% estimated reduction in mistakes due to human error.
A streamlined audit process
Commenting on using FoodCheck2.0 in Rio Steakhouse, Managing Director Rodrigo Grassi Duarte said, “I wouldn’t want to work anywhere that didn’t have the Kelsius system implemented. A big part is being able to streamline the audit process. We have been able to provide EHOs with full visibility of our records which gives them huge confidence in our processes.”
Barbara Alves, Executive Chef, Rio Steakhouse
“I wouldn’t want to work anywhere that didn’t have the Kelsius system implemented. A big part is being able to streamline the audit process. We have been able to provide EHOs with full visibility of our records which gives them huge confidence in our processes.
“Automated appliance monitoring is also so important to us. It saves our team roughly two hours a day, whilst also saving us £1,000 in stock alone in the last year from notifying our team of faulty appliances”
Kingsbridge Private Hospital is a leading healthcare provider with multiple sites across Northern Ireland. The hospital group includes kitchens, cafés, staff areas, and snack bars—all serving patients and staff daily.
With patient health a top priority, the team needed a reliable and efficient food safety system. They wanted a solution that would ensure compliance, improve visibility, and support their sustainability goals.
The Challenge
Managing food safety in a hospital is complex. The team needed to:
Ensure HACCP compliance across all sites
Respond to issues in real time
Simplify reporting for inspections
Reduce paper usage and food waste
The Solution
After reviewing their options, Kingsbridge chose Kelsius FoodCheck 2.0.
The system was installed across all catering areas. It automates temperature checks, task logging, and record keeping. It gives managers real-time insights and full control from one dashboard.
The Results
Since going digital with Kelsius, the team has seen big improvements:
Real-time alerts mean issues are fixed fast, reducing risk to patients
Digital records make audits easy and save time
Central task management improves consistency across all sites
Paper and food waste have both dropped, helping sustainability targets
Staff efficiency is up, with faster training and simpler processes
The Outcome
By automating HACCP compliance, streamlining task management, and enhancing sustainability, the hospital group has improved both patient safety and operational efficiency.
Jim Farren, Group Catering Manager, Kingsbridge Private Hospital
“Kelsius has truly transformed how we manage food safety across all our sites. The real-time alerts, automated reporting, and centralised visibility allow us to act quickly and maintain the highest standards. It’s an invaluable tool that ensures our patients’ health is always our number one priority.”
Ensuring food safety is a paramount concern for UK food retailers, as it directly impacts consumer health, brand reputation, and regulatory compliance. Navigating the complexities of food safety regulations can be challenging, but with the right tools and systems, retailers can maintainhigh standards and streamline their operations.
Retailers are required to implement effective food safety management systems, conduct regular hazard analyses, and maintain detailed records of their processes. Non-compliance can result in severe penalties, including fines, legal action, and damage to brand reputation.
Common Challenges Faced by UK Retailers
Regulatory Compliance: Keeping abreast of evolving food safety regulations demands continuous monitoring and adaptation.
Record Keeping: Maintaining accurate and accessible records is essential but can be labour-intensive and prone to human error.
Supply Chain Management: Ensuring that all suppliers adhere to food safety standards requires diligent oversight and coordination.
Staff Training: Regular training is necessary to keep staff informed about best practices and regulatory changes, which can be resource intensive.
Labour Shortages: Retail particularly continues to face the challenge of labour shortages caused in varying degrees by the effects of the pandemic, Brexit and the availability of a flow of a suitable workforce.
Rising costs: The cost of doing business is significant for UK food retailers who need to consider the price of stock, energy, labour, regulatory compliance, local services and business rates. All while at the same time consumer behaviour continues to shift towards price-driven purchase decisions.
How a Digital HACCP System can Help
Kelsius offers innovative digital solutions designed to assist UK retailers in overcoming these challenges:
FoodCheck 2.0: This system automates temperature monitoring and HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) management, reducing reliance on manual checks and paperwork. It provides real-time data and alerts, ensuring swift responses to potential issues.
CoolCheck: Specialising in wireless temperature monitoring, CoolCheck ensures that all refrigeration units operate within safe parameters, preventing spoilage and ensuring compliance with food safety standards.
Benefits of Implementing Kelsius Systems
Enhanced Compliance: Automated monitoring and record-keeping simplify adherence to regulations and facilitate smoother audits.
Operational Efficiency: Reducing manual tasks allows staff to focus on core business activities, improving overall productivity.
Data-Driven Insights: Access to comprehensive data enables informed decision-making and proactive management of food safety risks.
Conclusion
In the dynamic landscape of UK retail, maintaining rigorous food safety standards is both a regulatory requirement and a competitive advantage. Kelsius provides the tools necessary to streamline compliance, enhance operational efficiency, and ensure the highest levels of food safety.
For more information on how Kelsius can support your business, visit www.kelsius.com.
Kelsius is proud to announce that they have been named the winner of the Technology Award at the Guaranteed Irish Business Awards 2025. This prestigious recognition highlights Kelsius’ commitment to innovation, excellence, and sustainability in the field of temperature monitoring and HACCP compliance.
The Guaranteed Irish Business Awards celebrate the best of Irish business and recognise companies that demonstrate a commitment to supporting local communities, creating jobs, and driving innovation across various industries.
Cutting-Edge Technology
The Technology Award was presented to Kelsius for its cutting-edge solutions in digital HACCP and wireless temperature monitoring. These solutions are designed to help businesses across the foodservice, retail, and pharmaceutical industries maintain the highest standards of food safety and storage integrity. Kelsius’ IoT-driven solutions offer real-time monitoring, regulatory compliance, and enhanced efficiency, ultimately reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses and ensuring that critical medicines and vaccines are stored correctly.
As a Guaranteed Irish company, Kelsius adheres to the principles of quality, local job creation, and sustainability. The Kelsius manufacturing facility is based in Donegal, where they are committed to supporting Irish suppliers and the local economy. By championing local talent and resources, Kelsius contributes to the growth and prosperity of communities across Ireland.
Celebrating Innovation and Sustainability
At Kelsius, sustainability is at the core of everything they do. Kelsius has earned a Silver Medal from EcoVadis for its ongoing commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainability. Kelsius solutions help businesses reduce waste, energy consumption, and operational costs, while promoting a greener future. From eliminating paper records to ensuring energy-efficient operations, the company works hard to ensure that its temperature monitoring systems are as environmentally friendly as they are effective.
Kelsius’ commitment to corporate responsibility goes beyond its products. Through initiatives like the EasyTressie programme, Kelsius is actively involved in projects that support environmental and social causes, making a tangible impact on communities and the environment. Kelsius partners with local organisations and its dedication to sustainable practices underscore the company’s mission to create value for both businesses and society.
Kelsius: A Proud Member of Guaranteed Irish
The Guaranteed Irish mark represents businesses that are committed to creating sustainable jobs, supporting local communities, and providing high-quality products and services. Kelsius embodies these values every day by developing and manufacturing products locally in Donegal and working closely with Irish suppliers to ensure that they contribute positively to the economy.
Gala Award Ceremony at the Mansion House, Dublin
The award was presented to Kelsius at the 2025 Guaranteed Irish Business Awards gala, held in the iconic Round Room at The Mansion House in Dublin.
Pictured Arlene Kenny, Viatel Technology Group with Keith Hicks, Kelsius, winner of Technology, sponsored by Viatel Technology Group at the 2025 Guaranteed Irish Business Awards, proudly supported by PTSB.
Accepting the award, Kelsius Corporate Account Director Keith Hicks said, “I am thrilled to accept the Technology Award on behalf of Kelsius. On behalf of the entire team, I’d like to thank Guaranteed Irish for this accolade. We are a very proud Guaranteed Irish member company and we’re extremely grateful for this recognition, especially in the company of so many other leading and innovative Irish businesses.
“This award is all the more important to us as our technology supports a range of indigenous Irish companies who we help to protect the safety and security of their food, medicines and other products every day. We’re delighted to play our part in helping other Irish companies to grow and compete.”
On average, each property saves three hours per day for all food staff
Hastings Hotels is a luxury hotel group operating six hotels and a stand-alone Gastro Pub, Cultra Inn, situated on the Culloden Estate in Northern Ireland, serving a wide range of prepared and fresh food to its customers. These seven properties offer guests an impressive choice of venues, catering across leisure, events, sporting pursuits and gourmet dining.
Challenges Faced by Management and Chefs
Hastings Hotels faced the challenge of managing food safety and HACCP records across multiple locations. Larger properties like the Grand Central and Europa Hotels have different areas for multiple kitchens, bars, delis and large catering spaces, all requiring up to date records to be kept.
Management had little oversight of all food safety records, with a paper process that was prone to errors, and too much time was spent on recording data rather than providing the best guest experience.
Chefs spent too much time reviewing paper records and manually recoding temperatures across different kitchens and floors. Stock was being lost due to no notifications of faulty appliances, and there was little traceability for food.
Introducing the Kelsius System
The Kelsius FoodCheck 2.0 system was introduced into operations at Hastings Hotels. With the system now in use in their properties, management has more confidence and peace of mind as audits and inspections are easier. Reporting is streamlined and it’s much easier to train any agency staff who are required ad hoc.
Digital traceability means better transparency and accountability, with no risk of falsification or mistakes due to human error. Automated alerts have hugely reduced the risk of food waste due to temperature excursions, improving the shelf life of products.
Benefits
Three hours saved per day on average per property by all food staff
Estimated £2000 per year per property saved on wasted food
Four hours per week saved by management using automated report
Paper, ink and folders used reduce to zero
Food safety training time reduced by half
90% estimated reduction in mistakes caused by human error
Raymond Duncan Compliance, Operations & Procurement Manager, Hastings Group:
“Using the Kelsius system, I have peace of mind knowing all food safety processes are being adhered to. The automated system minimises human error and it’s so much easier for management to remotely identify trends or gaps in any hotel and act in real time. Our EHO loves the system as it gives them full visibility of our processes, in turn they are more confident in us to maintain outstanding food safety for our guests. We’re delighted with the system.”
