Metal detectors play an important role in maintaining food safety by catching metallic contaminants before they reach consumers. Here's an overview of how metal detectors work in the food industry:
Purpose
The presence of metal fragments in food products poses a hazard, both from an ingestion standpoint as well as the potential for customer complaints or legal issues. Metal detectors act as a screening checkpoint to remove these contaminants.
Process
As food moves along a conveyor belt, a metal detector's electromagnetic field probes the contents. Any metallic items disrupt this field, triggering an alarm. Detectors can be permanently installed on packaging lines or brought in on carts for portable use.
Types
Gravity-fall detectors use mass differentiation to separate denser metal shards. X-ray machines provide cross-sectional views inside products. Continuous-motion detectors screen free-flowing goods. Handheld wands supplement stationary units.
Target Metals
Ferrous metals like iron and steel cause the strongest signals. Non-ferrous metals including aluminum and stainless steel may also register depending on detector sensitivity. Smaller fragments pose greater challenges.
Applications
Common placements include after receival, post-processing, packaging, final product inspection. Loose foods, powders, liquids and solids can all be screened this way. Metal detectors aid industries like grain, meat, dairy, seafood, bakery, pet food, produce.
Benefits
Protection of brand reputation and avoidance of costly product recalls are prime reasons food companies invest in effective metal detection programs throughout the supply chain. Public safety is the ultimate goal.
