A utensil storage monitoring system comprising a microprocessor, a serving utensil sensor in signal communication with the microprocessor, a clocking circuit and at least one alerting component. The system identifies when a serving utensil is removed from a serving utensil holster or a serving utensil rest and initiates the clocking circuit. The system monitors the status of the serving utensil and the passing time. When the passing time exceeds a predetermined allowable “in-use” time period, the system initiates an alert. The alert can be a visual alert, an audible alert, or any other alert. The alert can escalate if the serving utensil is not returned to the holster/rest in a timely manner. The system can associate a specific serving utensil with the respective monitoring system to avoid cross contamination. The system can additionally include a sterilization component. The system can be integrated into a utensil status and data acquisition system.