Metal detectors have taken the world by storm, with their practical uses increasing daily. From security to the food industry, metal detectors are used everywhere, mainly for protection. It has even become more popular than the other conventional methods used in the food industry for ages. This is because it is much more cost-effective than x-ray technologies yet equally efficient.
In the food industry, Metal detectors are able to detect even the smallest pieces of metal, ensuring that no foreign objects end up in packaged foods. This type of detection is essential for consumer protection and saving businesses. Metal contamination of food results in expensive recalls and compensation claims, and the companies have to suffer a lot.
A food metal detector is responsible for detecting the food items of any metal contaminants. Let’s save time and get to the role of metal detectors in the food industry.
Purpose of Metal Detectors in the Food Industry
The main purpose of metal detectors in the food industry is to ensure that any metal contaminants that might have polluted the food item during production are detected. Metal contaminants present in the raw material or added to the food item during the production process are bad for consumer health and might cause severe injuries.
Metal detectors detect all ferrous and non-ferrous materials, including aluminum, steel, or other metal. Therefore, metal detectors are used in various production processes to ensure the food’s safety. They can also be used in multiple applications to inspect meat, dairy, bakery products, bread, sausages, vegetables, fruits, and other items.
Metal detectors are not only essential for consumer protection, but they also play a great role in the protection of machinery. Metal particles can lead to machine malfunctioning and failures. These detectors save you a lot of money from future repairs and revenue problems.
Location of Metal Detectors in the Food Production Process
Metal detectors are installed directly before the machinery if it is being used for the machinery’s protection. In the food industry, consumer protection is also vital, and metal detectors are widely used for this purpose. In this case, some inspection points are quite useful. It is always the best option to perform the metal detection test on the raw materials.
If you want to detect machine failures, you can use these metal detectors at certain control points (HACCPs). After the packaging is done for an overall contamination test, food products are also inspected in their final stage. This is done to ensure that you have the best version of the product ready.
If you don’t want to do a complete metal detection test on the food items, it is vital to do it three times during production. The first metal detection is done on the raw materials so that you can catch any metal particles before they are broken down. The second is done on various critical control points, and the third and last are done as a final inspection. This is done on the finished product.
Conclusion
Metal detectors are exceptional tools that have become a great part of the food industry. They are necessary to ensure that the final food item fits all the details of consumer protection and is not contaminated. It is vital for your customer’s health and your brand’s reputation and preventing severe consequences.
