Feature

How do packaging material choices affect food safety systems?

Phil Brown, Sales Director at Fortress Technology, explores the key factors to consider when choosing an end-of-line inspection system, including which systems are best suited to the different packaging types, the most challenging packaging materials to test and inspect, and how new technological innovations are overcoming these.

04/11/2024 17:25:44

Q: What are the current trends in food safety inspection and does packaging material influence them?
A: Driven by ever-stricter safety regulations and the need for traceability across the supply chain, food manufacturers are increasingly turning to inspection solutions that offer improved precision, efficiency, and greater digital capabilities.

The speed at which a food company can publicly pinpoint the source of a contaminant is imperative and can minimise the damage caused by a recall.

Inspection systems, such as metal detectors and X-rays, are an integral step in quality control, especially at the most critical control point – end-of-line packaging. It’s important that processors choose the right system at this CCP to ensure optimum protection is achieved.

When guaranteeing food safety and quality to customers, the packaging chosen can be almost as important as the type of inspection system selected. For example, certain types of packaging hinder an X-ray’s inspection technology, rendering the CCP ineffective and leaving consumers vulnerable to contaminated product, with the added threat of a possibly brand-damaging recall.

Read the full article in DPA's November 2024 issue

Written By Sophia Bell

Sophia Bell is the Group Editor of DPA, Connectivity, and PBSI. She joined the team in 2020 as Assistant Editor after achieving a First-Class Honours BA in English Literature and Film Studies from the University of East Anglia. In her current role, she leads the editorial strategy, driving digital growth and ensuring each title continues to deliver trusted, relevant insight for engineering and manufacturing professionals.