Abstract: The present invention relates to a temperature-time indicator system which allows monitoring the maintenance of the cold chain in frozen or refrigerated substances based on irreversible color changes, comprising a layer with a solution of ascorbic acid and a layer with a solution of at least one base, wherein the solution of ascorbic acid does not mix with the solution of at least one base unless the temperature reaches a pre-determined threshold. The invention also relates to a method using said system.