Physical contamination of food can occur during any stage of production, and can cause distress or harm for end consumers. Allowing these issues to go unnoticed can also be devastating to a brand’s reputation, resulting in product recalls and serious financial ramifications. Contaminants can come in various forms – from broken-off plastic or foil from packaging, to glass and metal from faulty processing equipment – so how do manufacturers ensure foreign objects don’t make their way into end products?

Manufacturers must look at their entire operation to ensure food stays contaminant free along the supply chain – from farm to fork. This often involves adopting several technologies for different stages of production. For example, metal detectors can be installed at almost any stage of production to identify metal contaminants, including ferrous and non-ferrous metal fragments or wires. In contrast, X-ray systems can be used to detect metallic as well as non-metallic contaminants – such as glass, ceramic, and stones – but are typically located at the end of the production line after packaging.

These technologies form the core of many manufacturers’ QC protocol, whether for fresh fruit and vegetables – which undergo minimal processing and handling – or packaged foods that have been through multiple manufacturing processes, increasing the chances of contamination before they are safely wrapped. All of these technologies, as well as other parts of the QC puzzle – such as checkweighers that help manufacturers bring a consistent sized product to market – will be on display at the upcoming interpack international trade fair.

This event showcases the latest trends in the packaging industry, covering a variety of sectors – from food and beverage to confectionary and baked goods – across the entire value chain. Thermo Fisher Scientific’s experts will be there, together with the company’s suite of innovative technologies that help to eliminate defects and deliver consistent and safe products to the end consumer.