Temperature Taking of 200 gal Stainless Steel Tanks

Hi,

We receive pasteurized milk and egg mix for our products from a supplier who delivers using a refrigerated truck. 

The mix comes in 200 gal totes made of stainless steel which have a large opening at the top and a small outlet at the bottom.

We are trying to decide the best way to ensure these are arriving at the correct temperature. Our previous quality manager was having the team point an IR gun at the outside of the tote (directly at the metal) but we aren't sure how accurate this is. 

We have been removing a sample in a cup from the bottom outlet and taking the temperature with a digital pen thermometer.

Just wondering if anyone has any suggestions for how to most accurately take the temperatures.

Sterile large thermometer through the top

https://mms.mckesson...r-Inst-90225-15

You can easily keep it clean, and use alcohol wipes prior to taking the temperature

Or ask them to insert a data logger at their end that you can mail back to them, or send last weeks back with the driver

Have you ever taken the tote temperature via both methods and compared the difference? My previous work dealt with similar totes of chicken broth. We took temperatures from a sample cup the same way you do. Never had any auditors take issue with that, although a long probe inserted into the center of the tote would likely be best.

I'm assuming you're also logging the trailer temperature upon reception? Do you also receive data on the trailer's temp over time?