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FOOD & BEVERAGE P
roviding a plethora of well-being benefits to owners, from companionship to support therapy and even preventing certain health conditions, pets undoubtedly play a vital role in their humans’ lives. Currently,
more than half of UK households (57 per cent in 2023) own at least one pet , with a large majority considering them part of the family . Most owners will say the love of a pet is
priceless. Their bank accounts, however, disagree. Sales of natural versions of pet slurries, kibble and raw diets has escalated, with many owners admitting their furry friends eat better than they do. Testament to this, 21 per cent of British householders admit to spending the same amount on pet food, if not more, than they do on their own groceries. According to the association UK Pet Food, over
50 pieces of legislation govern the manufacturing of pet food in the UK to ensure consistent high standards and utmost safety and hygiene. The Guide to Good Practice for the Manufacture of Safe Pet Food developed by FEDIAF comprehensively covers the safety and hygiene of pet food processes and products. Like human food, pet food processors are
required to adopt a HACCP and formal foreign bodies control policy. This includes introducing measures to prevent, control or detect potential contaminants identified by hazard assessments. Sensitive and hygienic inline contaminant detection equipment can play a crucial role in assisting pet food processors to protect pets, safeguard their brand and adhere to these stringent regulations.
PROTECTING BRANDS With wet viscous pet food processing compliance demanding the highest levels of sanitation, the Fortress Meat Pump Metal Detector tackles contamination and hygiene simultaneously. Utilised to prevent metal contaminants reaching the cooking and packing stages, the inspection system’s removable plastic tube is constructed from ultra-hygienic food-safe Delrin. IP69K-rated, the slimline machine is
constructed with no metal ends, ensuring no bacteria-harbouring crevices. Customised Delrin wrenches stored on the machine enable operators on wet food processing lines to loosen and tighten the pipe’s threads without the risk of damaging the equipment. An easy roll out mobile frame gives processors maximum flexibility. Additionally, the unique rail mounted reject valve supports fast removal of the pipe for cleaning and reassembly. In less than three minutes, operatives can blast
high pressure water jets through the system, eliminating bacteria and product residue to prevent cross contamination. Features like this are especially useful in enclosed metal detector pipeline configurations, which are virtually impossible to access efficiently. By optimising hygiene standards, the Fortress Meat Pump machine helps to prevent cross-contact
SAFE FOOD FOR FAITHFUL FIDO
Any contamination is a food safety issue that can have a negative and potentially irreparable effect on a pet processors reputation. Catching metal contaminants at the tail-end of lines can be more expensive. Fortress Technology reveals the benefits of installing its inline metal detection equipment upstream on pet processing lines.
contamination and the spread of bacteria in pet food products. Providing quality assurance to both pet owners and processors alike. There are virtually no limitations to installing
Metal Detectors, although specific features of likely contaminants, the product, packaging, processing and supply chain may determine whether metal detection is chosen for a particular point on a pet food processing line. Should pet food processors need to detect other physical contaminants, for example glass or bone, they
may opt for a Pipeline X-Ray machine. Gravity Metal Detectors are the best option for
“free-falling” dry kibble and pet treat applications. These are often located between product chutes and hoppers on pet food mixing lines and integrated with automated packing systems and checkweighers. For final quality checks, highly sensitive Bulk
Metal Detectors, Checkweighers and Combination systems can be added to inspect large pet food bags and boxed wet food trays.
36 APRIL 2024 | FACTORY&HANDLINGSOLUTIONS
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