Preventing food recalls

Food producers can predict and prepare systems to prevent all kinds of physical contamination of food, but sooner or later a rogue item can get into the product by accident. Many objects can be identified by metal detectors or X-ray systems as the finished packs pass down the line and the pack is then removed for investigation. The alternative is that an undetected contamination can trigger a recall when the consumers discover the offending objects.

Industrial detectable plastics reduce risks from machine parts contaminating food

Unfortunately not every type of material can be ‘seen’. Plastics can be invisible to both metal detection and X-ray machines unless they are made from special polymers. Those used by the world’s leading manufacturer Detectamet to make its extensive range of plastic tools and equipment produced can be both metal and X-ray detectable.

As Sean Smith, Detectamet’s CEO, explains “By using our detectable plastic products the numbers of items that can sneak through the anti-contamination systems are greatly reduced. Even small bits of our plastics will be found by a properly configured detection system.”

“Many food companies are now using our products to protect their reputation and consequently this risk has almost been closed off.  What is now a big worry is the use of undetectable plastic or rubber products within machinery and equipment built for use in food factories and for harvesting.”

Historically there have been several occasions when bits of plastic or rubber have made their way from farm to fork, or dropped out of production line fittings. “I am now getting regular enquiries from equipment manufacturers for detectable plastic to be engineered of formed into parts for food process machines,” he says.

Detectamet will take the enquiring company through the technical processes to ensure that the new part or product is not only detectable but complies with the international and national regulations regarding plastics in contact with food. Mr Smith explains how his 30 years’ experience in plastics as so valuable.  “It is essential that we make sure the modified plastic will keep the important characteristics of the previous material.” Seals must still seal and flexible items must still be able to bend or absorb shock.

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