Effective foreign material detection is a non-negotiable part of modern food production. However, choosing the right contaminant inspection solution is not a one-size-fits-all decision. The effectiveness of an inspection system is deeply connected to the product’s characteristics, packaging, and the specific foreign bodies you need to find. Matching the right technology to your product is the first step in building a robust food safety plan that protects your customers and your brand.
This guide will help you understand the key factors to consider when selecting an inspection system to enable a successful product reclaim process.
Packaging and Presentation
The way a product is packaged plays a crucial role in determining the most effective inspection method.
- Foil and Metalized Film: Many products today are packaged in materials that contain foil or a metal lining. These materials are unable to be inspected by a metal detector as the packaging’s conductivity prevents the system from providing an accurate reading. X-ray inspection systems are unaffected by material conductivity and can therefore see through this type of packaging with no problem, making them the only viable option for a final check on these products
- Rigid Containers and Case Packs: For products in rigid containers like glass jars, plastic tubs, or even finished case packs, x-ray inspection provides detection capabilities that can inspect the entire volume of the container, identifying foreign bodies that might be obscured in complex locations like packaging ridges or bases and seals
- Bulk Flow vs. Finished Goods: The state of the product also matters. While some systems are designed for inspecting bulk flow products, others are better suited for finished goods. METTLER TOLEDO X-ray Reclaim can provide the right system for any stage of your process
Identifying Your Detection Targets
A thorough hazard analysis is essential to identify the potential foreign bodies that could enter your production line. While metal detectors detect just metals, your risks could be much broader. A comprehensive food safety plan must account for the full range of potential foreign bodies, including metal, glass, stone, dense plastics, rubber, or bones.
This is where x-ray technology demonstrates its true value. METTLER TOLEDO X-ray Reclaim utilizes our most powerful dual energy technology, capable of detecting dense foreign bodies as small as 0.2 mm in size. This allows for a thorough inspection, giving you the confidence that your product may now be shipped off to the consumer.
The Critical Role of Data and Traceability
In the event of a product hold, data is your most valuable asset. Modern x-ray systems provide image records of every rejected product and can be set to store images of passes as well. This image-rich data, tied to specific batch or lot codes, provides the traceability needed to demonstrate due diligence to agencies like the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and to make informed decisions about your product reclaim.
METTLER TOLEDO X-ray Reclaim offers an offsite inspection facility – an ideal solution for managing product holds. By sending your product to us, you can avoid the costs of shipping and setting up equipment onsite. We provide comprehensive, image-rich reports and full traceability for a documented and successful product recovery.
Contact METTLER TOLEDO X-ray Reclaim for food contaminant detection.
If you need an x-ray inspection system or a trusted partner for offsite inspection and recovery services, METTLER TOLEDO X-ray Reclaim has the expertise and technology to help.
Contact us today to discuss your food contaminant detection needs and learn how we can support your commitment to food safety.